Residents in Columbia Garden Apartments Raise Concerns Over Eviction Notices
Columbia, S.C. – A wave of confusion and anxiety is sweeping through the residents of Columbia Gardens Apartments following the issuance of eviction notices last Friday. Many tenants, who believe they have been paying their rent on time, are now facing a distressing situation as they attempt to navigate the claims made against them.
“Where’s Our Money?”
One resident, who preferred to remain anonymous, recounted her troubling interaction with the property manager. According to her, the manager insisted, “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.” This was particularly shocking for her considering that this notice indicated she owed a staggering over $7,600—an amount she was unaware of just two months after being informed that she had no pending charges.
“My ledger told me I haven’t paid rent since 2020,” she explained. “That’s impossible. I was dropping my money orders in the drop box just like everyone else. Where’s our money?” These questions resonate deeply among fellow residents, who echo her frustration at the lack of clarity surrounding their payments.
Lack of Communication
Residents are voicing their discontent over the poor communication from the property management. “No one answers the phone anymore. We sent emails. No one responds back,” the anonymous resident shared. They have also pointed out the absence of an online portal where residents could check their payment history and account status, making it difficult to track any discrepancies.
Corporate Management’s Response
The situation escalated further during a recent visit to the office where another resident described a disheartening interaction 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.’” These comments have left residents feeling unheard and marginalized, adding fuel to their concerns.
Response from Local Housing Authority
Adding to the confusion, the South Carolina Housing authority clarified that they do not manage eviction notices or determine rent owed by residents. This means that tenants are left to fend for themselves in dealing with their property management, which has created a sense of helplessness and frustration.
Unanswered Questions
In an attempt to gain clarity, efforts have been made to contact Beacon Property Management Company regarding the eviction notices and the methodology behind calculating the alleged back rent. However, inquiries made since Monday—including multiple voicemails and emails—have gone unanswered.
Residents continue to press for answers as they navigate this disturbing situation. The mixture of unexpected financial claims and a lack of responsive management has created a challenging environment for those living at Columbia Gardens Apartments.
A Call for Clarification
As frustration grows, residents are urging the management to communicate transparently and rectify any discrepancies in their accounts. They simply want a resolution to this distressing ordeal and hope to restore a sense of security in their homes. “We just want to know what’s going on and where our money is,” one resident expressed. Their plea is simple but profound—residents only want fairness and clarity in their living situation.
For now, residents of Columbia Gardens Apartments remain vigilant and hopeful for an explanation and resolution to this pressing issue.
