"They’re Calling Us Squatters": Tenants in Atlanta, Georgia, Claim Illegal Evictions

Residents of Bolden Townhomes in southwest Atlanta say they are being wrongfully evicted under Georgia’s new squatting law despite holding legal leases. At a press conference, tenants described dangerous living conditions and accused the property owner of exploiting the law to force them out. Advocates are demanding immediate action and better tenant protections.

Read: Texas Approves SB 840 for Easier Multi-Family, Commercial Conversions

Evictions Spark Outrage

When Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed the Safe at Home Act in 2024, it aimed to safeguard renters from landlord abuses. Yet, over a year later, tenants at Bolden Townhomes claim the law has failed them. Residents say they were ordered to leave their homes over unsafe conditions after being wrongly accused of squatting, despite holding valid leases.

Also read: Nevada Senate Passes Bill Expanding ‘Affordable Housing’ to Middle Class Renters

Squatter Law Misused

The recently enacted Georgia Squatter Reform Act, designed to fast-track the removal of illegal occupants, appears to have been used against legal tenants. Mercedes McGregor, speaking at a press conference, said officers ordered her out, dismissing her lease. “They’re calling us squatters,” she said. “Squatters don’t have keys. We all had leases, everybody showed when the sheriff came.”

Also read: Nevada Senate Passes Bill Expanding ‘Affordable Housing’ to Middle Class Renters

Evictions and Unsafe Living

McGregor described receiving legal documents giving her three business days to respond, only to be evicted on the final day. Fulton County Sheriff’s Office confirmed a resident was served with an intruder affidavit on May 27 and removed by May 30. Other residents shared accounts of dangerous conditions, including mold, water damage, and prolonged power outages.

Also read: Trump’s Budget Cuts Could Leave 30,000 Facing Homelessness in NYC, Warns NYCHA

Tenant Advocates Speak Out

Housing Justice League executive director Alison Johnson likened the complex’s state to the now-condemned Forest Cove apartments. “It is an atrocity,” Johnson said, criticizing the deteriorating conditions and forced evictions. Her group and residents are urging Bolden Capital Group to halt evictions, meet with tenants, and restore essential utilities.

Also read: NYC Shifts Broker Fee to Landlords Under New FARE Act

Property Owner Defends Moves

In a statement, Bolden Capital Group cited “complex challenges at the property, including unauthorized occupancy, utility theft, and damage to units.” The company claimed actions were necessary to protect legal residents and community safety. It did not clarify if it relied on the Squatter Reform Act for evictions.

Also read: Students Built $65K Tiny Homes to Battle Housing Crisis in California

Residents Describe Squalor

Angela Vaughn, Montavious Vaughn, and Amber Miller showed reporters their apartment’s severe damage: a collapsed kitchen ceiling, exposed wiring, and persistent leaks. “The landlord hasn’t been here. Mold is growing on the toilet. The side of our bath is leaking every time we get in the shower,” Miller said. Many residents claim unreturned calls and empty leasing offices.

Also read: Landlord Fined $1M for Illegal Rent Hikes in DC Price-Fixing Lawsuit

Advocates Demand Reform

Tenant rights advocates warn the squatter law risks being weaponized to bypass eviction courts. Though lawmakers added a clause allowing residents to prove legal tenancy, Johnson insists the Safe at Home Act still lacks clear habitability standards. She called for urgent reforms to prevent similar crises across Atlanta communities.

Next up: