COLUMBIA, S.C. — Residents in Disarray Amid Eviction Notices
Residents of Columbia Gardens Apartments are finding themselves in a sticky situation as confusion and frustration swirl around recent eviction notices they received last Friday. This wave of uncertainty has left many scratching their heads, especially since most residents claim they have been diligent about paying rent on time.
A Confusing Situation
One resident, who prefers to remain anonymous, shared her unsettling experience following a meeting with the property manager. “She said if you don’t have the proof, you didn’t pay. Then you need to either get on a payment plan or you’ll get 30 days and then we will file for your eviction,” she recounted, feeling the weight of the burden on her shoulders. The eviction notice she received ominously stated that she owed over $7,600. This troubling claim came just two months after she was told there were no pending charges against her account.
“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 expressed, her disbelief palpable. “That’s impossible. I was dropping my money orders in the drop box just like everyone else. Where’s our money?” It’s a question many residents are echoing as they struggle to make sense of the situation.
Communication Breakdown
Resident complaints extend beyond the eviction notices themselves; many have conveyed frustration regarding the property management’s lack of communication. “No one answers the phone anymore. We sent emails. No one responds back,” one resident lamented, highlighting the growing disconnect between management and tenants. This gap in communication is exacerbated by the absence of an online portal where residents could check their previous payments, making it difficult to track any discrepancies.
These issues culminated in a bewildering encounter residents had with corporate management. “When we went up to the office this past Monday, the woman with corporate said, ‘We don’t fix anything because you guys don’t pay rent,’” the resident shared, a statement that stung for many who feel they have maintained their financial responsibilities.
Seeking Clarification
Interestingly, according to information from South Carolina Housing, they do not issue eviction notices or track rent owed by residents. This revelation has only added to the confusion surrounding the eviction notices being sent out by the property management company.
With many questions and few answers, News19 has attempted to reach out to Beacon Property Management Company for clarification on the eviction notices and to understand how they calculated the alleged back rent owed by residents. However, as of Monday, the calls and emails have gone unanswered, leaving residents visibly anxious about their futures.
Residents United in Need for Answers
As this situation unfolds, residents at Columbia Gardens Apartments continue to demand clarity on what is happening with their rental situations. They hope for communication from management that provides the needed transparency to alleviate their fears of eviction and allow them to continue their lives without the looming threat of removal.
For now, the residents are left guessing and hoping for a resolution that provides a brighter outlook for their homes. It’s a precarious situation for so many, and as they rally together, their voices are growing louder, demanding that their rights and concerns be addressed.
The unfolding drama at Columbia Gardens Apartments serves as a poignant reminder of how vital communication and transparency are in residential situations. As the residents await a response from their property management, they are left in a precarious position, hoping for a satisfactory end to this unexpected crisis.
