News Summary

Residents of Bolden Townhomes in southwest Atlanta are rallying for immediate improvements to their living conditions after months without power and serious safety issues. During a housing advocacy event, tenants expressed their frustration with inadequate housing and neglect from the property owner, Edward Bolden. Key complaints include a lack of essential appliances, mold, and unsafe living conditions. Local officials and advocacy groups are calling for investigations into the situation to ensure tenant rights and habitable housing standards are upheld.

Atlanta

Residents of Bolden Townhomes in southwest Atlanta are demanding immediate improvements to their living conditions after enduring months without power and facing ongoing safety concerns. Tenants are calling for accountability from property owner Edward Bolden of Bolden Capital Group, as they express frustration over inadequate housing and neglect from management.

A recent news conference held by the Housing Justice League highlighted the grievances of the tenants, who have come together to voice their dissatisfaction with the current state of their homes. Despite recent efforts by the property management to clean up the complex, such as grass cutting and trash removal, tenants describe these actions as mere superficial fixes that do not address their pressing issues.

Among the key complaints, tenant Reco Ford pointed out the absence of essential appliances, including refrigerators and stoves, despite having paid rent consistently. This lack of basic utilities has forced many residents to resort to makeshift solutions for cooking and living. Various other tenants have reported severe issues like mold, caved-in ceilings, and a persistent lack of utilities, raising serious concerns about the habitability of the complex.

Edward Bolden, in a statement addressing the concerns, claimed that the property is facing significant challenges, such as unauthorized occupancy and utility theft, which have hindered overall conditions at Bolden Townhomes. However, tenants dispute these assertions, presenting rent receipts and keys to demonstrate their legitimacy as residents. They argue that the situation remains dire, with multiple families unable to contact property management due to the office often being locked and phone calls going unanswered.

Compounding these issues, some residents, like Mercedes McGregor, have faced the alarming reality of having their belongings removed despite possessing documentation that allowed them additional time in their units. Reports of eviction notices being issued yet ignored further exacerbate the tenants’ distress over their living circumstances.

Georgia’s “Safe at Home Act” mandates that landlords must provide habitable housing conditions, which tenants assert is being violated by Bolden Capital. State Representative Mary Margaret Oliver emphasized that landlords have a legal obligation to maintain such living standards and could potentially face legal action for noncompliance.

Concerns regarding the welfare of tenants have also drawn the attention of city officials, including Atlanta City Councilmember Jason Dozier, who expressed worry about the allegations surrounding unsafe living conditions and mass evictions occurring at the complex. The residents have reported prevailing issues of severe neglect, characterized by broken windows and other signs of decay throughout Bolden Townhomes.

Local housing advocacy groups are now calling for an immediate investigation and intervention by city authorities to address the ongoing complaints from tenants. The community is uniting to advocate for their rights, seeking urgent action to remedy the unsafe conditions and ensure that all residents have the right to live in adequate housing.

The situation at Bolden Townhomes serves as a distressing reminder of the need for accountability within rental housing, particularly as vulnerable communities navigate the complexities of inadequate living conditions. With the support of local advocates and concerned officials, tenants are hoping for resolution and improved circumstances in the near future.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• WSBTV News
• Wikipedia: Housing and Residential Environmental Justice
• 11 Alive News
• Google Search: living conditions in Atlanta
• The Atlanta Voice
• Google Scholar: tenant rights Atlanta
• Atlanta News First
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Eviction
• AJC News
• Google News: Bolden Townhomes Atlanta

Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER

The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.