Atlanta City Councilwoman Andrea Boone has introduced legislation aimed at cracking down on negligent landlords.
In a recent report by FOX 5 Atlanta, Boone said this legislation is about “holding people accountable,” adding that she is grateful for her colleagues who have signed on as cosponsors for the measures.
“Too many individuals and families in our city are living in deplorable conditions because of neglectful landlords. These conditions spur crime against people and property and must be investigated,” Boone told FOX 5 Atlanta. “As a city, we are committed to using every tool possible to defend people from neglectful landlords. Many people are living like animals instead of human beings, and that is unacceptable.”
The legislation requests that the Fulton County District Attorney consider criminally charging property owners who violate Atlanta’s Housing Code or who do not provide the minimum standards for their rentals.
This comes just one month after the city of Atlanta announced it will spend $1.5 million to relocate residents from the Forest Cove Apartments after numerous code violations and complaints. According to FOX 5 Atlanta, the owners of these apartments were served with 150 violations.
Studies show that poor security, deferred maintenance and a lack of tenant protection can essentially make Atlanta’s affordable housing uninhabitable.
