Columbia Residents Battle Confusion Over Erroneous Eviction Notices at Columbia Gardens Apartments

Columbia Faces Eviction Notice Confusion at Columbia Gardens Apartments

In the heart of Columbia, South Carolina, residents of Columbia Gardens Apartments have found themselves in a troubling predicament, grappling with unexpected and alarming eviction notices. These notices have ranged widely in amounts, with some tenants facing demands for payment stretching from as little as $200 up to a staggering $10,000.

Many tenants, like Brittany Eady, are understandably frustrated and concerned as they believe they have consistently paid their rent on time. Brittany, a resident of the complex for five years, shared her heartwrenching story. “I lost my kids’ father, and staying here is helpful for me, because I lost that help from, you know, him being gone,” she expressed. Despite her timely monthly payment of $500, Brittany received an eviction notice dated October 26, which stated that she owed an astounding $2,100. “I pay my rent on time. I don’t know why. How does this balance even get to $2,100?” she questioned, echoing the feelings of confusion shared by many others in the community.

The eviction notices were sent out last Friday, and reports surfaced across the community, causing several residents to express concerns over the shocking development. The situation has left many bewildered, as they cannot comprehend how such large sums could be owed when they believe they have fulfilled their payment obligations.

According to information from the South Carolina Housing website, Columbia Gardens is designated as a Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) property and falls under the Project-Based Contract Administration (PBCA/HUD) program. However, even more confusion emerged when officials from the South Carolina Housing Authority acknowledged that incorrect eviction notices had been circulated. A representative assured residents, “The correct letters will be distributed October 29th and will provide residents with 30 days to pay charges.”

Yet, despite this promise of clarity, many residents reported that as of Tuesday, they had not yet received the corrected notices. This lack of communication has only added to the uncertainty and stress among the tenants, who are anxiously awaiting answers regarding their living situations.

To dive deeper into this pressing issue, questions were directed towards Beacon Property Group, the company that owns Columbia Gardens Apartments. Unfortunately, no response was received, leaving residents desperate for answers.

Legal experts are weighing in on the situation as well. Adam Partheroe, a lawyer from SC Appleseed Legal Justice Center, raised a pivotal question about the sudden flood of eviction notices. “With a large majority of the tenants in the apartment complex all of a sudden getting an eviction notice, my question is, ‘Okay, what changed?’” he stated. His concerns linger around the potential impact of this mass notification on the vulnerable community living at the complex, suggesting that while some notices may be accurate, the volume raises red flags.

On a recent Monday, efforts to engage the management at Columbia Gardens Apartments ended abruptly when an employee requested the team to leave the property. This lack of engagement from management only adds layers of frustration and uncertainty for the residents who are left to navigate this bizarre situation on their own.

As residents continue to seek clarity amid this perplexing scenario, the community remains on edge. Many individuals are wrestling with the authenticity of the eviction letters they received, creating a cloud of worry over what could come next.

In Columbia Gardens Apartments, hope for resolution hangs in the air as tenants await further communication and the promised corrected eviction letters. Until then, the community holds its breath, united in the quest for understanding and stability in their homes.