The Squatting Crisis Unfolds in Atlanta: Residents Take Matters into Their Own Hands
Amidst a surge in housing and rent prices in Atlanta, a crisis has emerged as 1,200 homes are taken over by squatters.
Homeowners are faced with the dilemma of clearing unwanted occupants themselves or enduring months-long waits for police assistance.
Homeowners’ Desperation: Offering Cash Bribes to Evict Squatters
As the situation escalates, some desperate homeowners are resorting to offering cash payments to squatters, preferring a quicker resolution to potential months of lost rent.
The severity is underscored by instances like a squatted home operating as an illegal strip club, necessitating an FBI swat team intervention.
National Impact: Rental Home Businesses Struggle Amidst Safety Concerns
The National Rental Home Council estimates Atlanta’s squatting crisis is the most extensive nationwide.
Eviction processes, taking over six months, contribute to safety concerns, with incidents of illegal trespassing disproportionately high.
CEOs of major rental businesses, like Tiber Capital Group, seek local authorities’ help, citing safety threats and growing problems.
Housing Crisis Fuels the Problem: Soaring Costs and Lack of Affordable Options
The root cause of the squatting crisis lies in the city’s soaring housing costs, with a 34% increase in rent post-pandemic.
The lack of affordable housing exacerbates homelessness, making it easier for squatters to find and occupy vacant properties.
Online listings and virtual agents facilitate access, leading to unwitting victims falling prey to fake leases and scams.
Shocking Cases: From Strip Clubs to Military Homes, Squatters Cause Havoc
Highlighted cases include an illegal strip club operating in a squatted Atlanta home, requiring FBI intervention.
Additionally, a deployed military officer returned to find a convicted criminal squatting in her $500,000 home, leading to frustration as police deemed it a “civil matter.”
The squatter, armed with suspected ecstasy and a firearm, was eventually arrested.
In summary, Atlanta’s squatting crisis is a multifaceted issue stemming from housing costs, delayed police response, and criminal activity, impacting homeowners, rental businesses, and even military personnel.
The urgency to address this crisis is evident as the community grapples with the consequences of illegal occupations.
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