Frequently Asked Questions
- On the day of the evacuation (March 19, 2026), The Rialto mobilized the engineering firm of Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH) to investigate the cause of the damage to the building. SGH arrived in the afternoon and began their investigation.
- As reported to building officials on April 1, 2026, SGH’s investigation revealed a gap between the soil and the ground level slab that extends underneath the load-bearing wall footing between Stacks 45 and 47. The lack of soil support below the slab-on-grade between Stacks 45 and 47 resulted in downward displacement or other downward movement of the slab and wall.
- On April 10, 2026, a foundation repair company placed grout below the slab to fill the gap between the soil and the underside of the concrete slab and the strip footings in the gap under Stacks 45 and 47 to re-establish intimate contact and support the structure. A geotechnical engineer from SGH was on site to monitor and inspect this work.
- SGH is continuing its subsurface investigation to determine the cause of the gap. This work, which will take two months or more, must be completed before a cause and path forward can be determined
- The Rialto’s top priority continues to be the safety and well-being of our residents.
- The engineering team is continuing its careful assessment of the building and the subsurface, as our focus remains on ensuring a thorough and responsible investigation process. This work must be completed before a path forward can be determined.
- The Rialto recognizes how difficult this situation has been for our residents, and we are committed to supporting them through a range of options and assistance.
- From the beginning, The Rialto has put a premium on communicating frequently with residents to provide them with updates and actionable information in real time. A link to all resident communications relating to this event can be found here. Resident Communication Archive
- The Rialto has provided a range of logistical and financial support. Initially, The Rialto provided $1,000 per apartment to help cover expenses while residents were out of the building but before the extended timeline for the investigation was known, and we assured residents they would not be charged rent for any days they were not occupying their units.
- The Rialto had a team of people on site, daily, to assist residents in retrieving their belongings until we arranged for moving companies to work directly with residents.
- Once The Rialto received the engineering letter on April 1 and knew that at least two months would be required for a thorough subsurface evaluation, we made sure residents had clear options and support as they made decisions about their leases.
- For residents who preferred to move forward with a lease termination, they have been offered several forms of support to assist with their transition. These include:
- the packing and moving of their belongings by a professional mover to a location of the resident’s choice within a 25-mile radius of The Rialto;
- an additional payment of $2,000; and
- for residents who choose to live at another Northland community, a two-month rent concession.
- For residents who choose to accept this assistance, a release of claims is required as part of that process.
- Residents also have the option to terminate their leases without signing the release. For those residents, The Rialto is arranging for professional movers to pack their belongings and make them available for pick up at the community.
- For residents who prefer to maintain their leases while the investigation continues, we are providing updates as more information becomes available. Rent will not be charged while occupancy remains restricted.
- SGH is continuing its careful assessment of the building and the subsurface, as our focus remains on ensuring a thorough and responsible investigation process. This work, which will take two months or more, must be completed before a path forward can be determined. As a result, there is no definite timeline for return as of early May 2026.
- While some residents are opting to maintain their leases during the investigative process, residents of 150 apartments (80% of rented apartments) have chosen to terminate their leases. As of May 4, 2026, residents of 131 apartments (70% of rented apartments) have already been moved.
- The Rialto has worked with city officials, emergency responders, and engineering professionals to assess the situation at the building since the evacuation on March 19, 2026.
- The Rialto's top priority continues to be the safety and well-being of our residents. Accordingly, the engineering team is continuing its careful assessment of the building and the subsurface, as our focus remains on ensuring a thorough and responsible investigation process.
- Beyond that, The Rialto cannot comment on litigation.
- Northland Rialto has responded to all requests from residents’ insurance carriers received to date and continues to do so.
- Inquiries from insurance providers should be sent to Ellen Jane Albanese at [email protected], who is providing all available information expeditiously.
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