Residents of Atlanta townhome complex fear eviction, allege ‘unlivable’ conditions

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Residents of a townhome complex in southwest Atlanta say they’re being forced out despite paying rent.

Renters living in Bolden Townhomes, located off Oakland Drive, came together on Friday to demand answers from the property owner about potential evictions and the reasons they’re subjected to living in allegedly “unlivable” conditions.

The townhomes are owned by Bolden Capital Group.

One renter, Ba Ba, said he moved in months ago. He claims he has lived without power and air conditioning, showing us that the lights and other utilities in the home are not functioning.

“Violating my rights, my kids can’t come to see me because my apartment is not in a fair condition to come,” said Ba Ba. “I don’t have air or lights.”

To cook food, he has to get creative, using a can and a portable cooking device typically used for camping.

Ba Ba also pointed us to a note allegedly left on his door by someone who represents the property ownership group. It offered a warning that “any unauthorized entry is trespassing and a violation of law.”

Residents now fear eviction and being left without a place to live.

“I don’t understand how you would take our money and kick us out,” said Martavious Pope, another resident. “I don’t understand that.”

Other residents held a press conference held at the complex on Friday morning and said they have collapsing ceilings and mold; Atlanta News First observed broken glass windows, boarded-up homes, and a lack of lights and air conditioning.

Alison Johnson with the Housing Justice League demands answers from the city and the property owner.

“As we see here, that is not happening,” said Johnson. “There’s been no accountability, no one here to tell the landlords that this is an unjust living situation and tenants should live in these conditions.”

The outcry drew the attention of Atlanta City Council Member Jason Dozier, who called for an investigation into the situation and a halt to any potential evictions. He wants “a swift, coordinated response from the City of Atlanta, including our code enforcement agencies, housing officials, and legal partners.”

Bolden Capital Group said they face “complex challenges” in maintaining Bolden Townhomes. They claim that people are living in homes without proper authorization. The group told us other issues exist, including “utility theft and damage to units” and that “these issues have created difficult and unsafe conditions.”

The group said that it is working with local law enforcement to resolve the situation.

Ba Ba certainly believes he has every right to live in his home. He provided us with what appears to be a lease agreement that he signed with the company, emphasizing that he pays rent to the landlord every month.

“Already hard to find somewhere to stay, and when you do, it’s not even decent,” added Ba Ba.

Bolden Capital Group said there is pending legal action. What that looks like remains unclear.

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