Outline:
- Neighbors claim they are being billed excessive amounts for water and utilities without receiving any explanations from their apartment complex.
- Neighbors claim the sudden increase in rental prices has created a financial burden for them.
- Inquiries directed to the apartment complex and the city remained unanswered at this time.
FAIRBURN, Ga. – Residents living in an apartment complex in Fairburn are expressing worries following reports of unexpectedly high water bills as their monthly rent comes due.
Neighbors confront apartment complex
What they’re saying
Neighbors mentioned they were scheduled to meet with the management of Evergreen Park Apartments on Saturday. However, when they arrived for the meeting, they discovered the office door was locked and they received no responses to their inquiries.
Paul Reed stated that his records indicate he paid slightly less than $23 for water and sewer in December. He mentioned that he was charged over $280 for water and just under $90 for sewer this month.
“If we informed them that we intended to delay our rent payment, they would have responded with, ‘Oh, if you don’t pay your rent, you’ll face late charges and eventually an eviction notice,’ along with all those other concerns,” Reed stated.
Myrick Walker and Teria Wheeler mentioned that they received comparable charges, which are part of their monthly rent payments.
It’s not as if I used 1,000 more gallons of water this month compared to last month,” Wheeler stated, “but nine dollars to $175 with no explanation—no one can provide me with any answers. That’s unacceptable.
The neighbors mentioned that the increased rent has created financial pressure for them.
What the apartment building is stating
The other side
FOX 5 Atlanta visited the office of the Evergreen Park Apartment complex on Saturday morning in an attempt to speak with the property management.
A representative from FOX 5 Atlanta stated that the manager would not arrive until Monday, and she was unable to provide any comments.
Shortly thereafter, FOX 5 Atlanta was instructed to depart the premises by Fairburn police officers.
A request for comment via email sent to Dayside Residential, the property management company, remained unanswered promptly.
Emails sent to the city of Fairburn, the mayor, and the city council also went unanswered right away.
The demand for a resolution
What’s next
Neighbors mentioned that the rent was due by Saturday. Failure to pay could result in late charges and potential eviction from their apartments.
Walker stated he will not be paying his rent until the issue is resolved.
You need to take a stand. You have to,” Walker stated. “The only way companies will pay attention is if you affect their finances.
Rey Llerena from FOX 5 interviewed residents at the apartment building and contacted the property management company for their input.