Residents of Columbia Gardens Apartments Face Eviction Confusion
In the bustling city of Columbia, S.C., a wave of confusion and concern has washed over the residents of Columbia Gardens Apartments. Last Friday, many tenants received alarming eviction notices, leaving them feeling both bewildered and frustrated. The most head-scratching part? Most residents claim they have been consistently paying their rent on time.
Error on the Ledger?
One resident, who preferred to remain anonymous, bravely shared her experience after a meeting with the property manager. “She said if you don’t have the proof, you didn’t pay,” she recounted. Unraveling this confusing situation, the property manager proposed that without payment proof, residents needed to either get on a payment plan or face a 30-day eviction notice. This resident’s notice claimed she owed over $7,600, a shocking figure that emerged just two months after she was told there were no outstanding charges against her. “My ledger told me I haven’t paid rent since 2020, basically, since I paid them a deposit to move in here, which was almost five years ago,” she explained. “That’s impossible. I was dropping my money orders in the drop box just like everyone else. Where’s our money?”
A Lack of Communication
These concerns echo among residents, who are increasingly frustrated by the property management’s seeming lack of communication. “No one answers the phone anymore. We sent emails. No one responds back,” lamented another resident. The tenants are facing another hurdle without having any access to an online portal to check their previous payments, which could have potentially cleared up misunderstandings.
One resident described her own discouraging experience with corporate management. “When we went to the office this past Monday, the woman with corporate said, ‘We don’t fix anything because you guys don’t pay rent,’” she recalled with disdain. This statement only added to the mounting anxiety felt by tenants.
Seeking Answers
As this dilemma unfolds, the South Carolina Housing authorities have stated they do not send out eviction notices nor calculate rent owed for the residents. This bit of information has raised more questions about the validity of the notices received by tenants at Columbia Gardens.
In a bid to find clarity, efforts have been made to reach out to Beacon Property Management Company, who manages the property. Multiple attempts to contact them through voicemails and emails have thus far been met with silence. Residents are eagerly waiting for answers, feeling increasingly distressed as the days go by.
Standing Together
Throughout this chaotic situation, it is evident that the residents are doing their best to stand together. They are uniting in their demand for transparent communication and lawful procedures, all while trying to keep their homes safe and secure. The uncertainty surrounding their living situation is proving to be a heavy burden, and they only seek clarity amidst it all.
The Bigger Picture
This situation in Columbia Gardens Apartments serves as a reminder of the importance of clear communication between property management and tenants. It’s crucial for residents to feel heard and respected as they navigate their living situations. With significant amounts of money at stake and the threat of eviction hanging over them, these residents are feeling uneasy, yet they continue to press for a resolution.
In times like these, remaining united seems to be the strongest ally for the residents of Columbia Gardens Apartments. As they move forward, both clarity and resolution are what they hope to find in the near future. Let’s hope they get the answers they need soon.
