City leaders are investigating an east San Jose complex after tenants complained about being abused by a property management company.

Residents in the Santee neighborhood met with Mayor Sam Liccardo in February. Since then, he has been joined by councilman Tam Nguyen, code enforcement and police officers, and the Law Foundation of Silicon Valley. Housing Department officials are also taking witness statements, recording grievances and inspecting homes.

This is a big step for many residents of the dozens of apartment complexes who are filing complaints with city agencies, as well as Realty World Premier Properties, which adamantly denies mistreating tenants.

Nancy Alvarado, whose family was given an eviction notice, is packing up to move out by the end of the week. She says she's being evicted for complaining about rundown conditions, but the property management team countered that it was upset about extra family members living in the house.

Alvarado says she's scared, but also relieved.

“Why am I going to stay over here?” she said. “It's a mess … If you look at the apartment, it’s a mess inside. Management doesn't pay attention to that."

Liccardo, however, says the city is not passing any judgment. Officials are only investigating the matter, he said.

"The important thing right now is to be able to get evidence,” Liccardo said.

He continued that it’s imperative to “get code enforcement officers inside the apartments to document what's really going on. That way we'd be able to be on a clear position if we need to take legal action."