My 2 year eviction case journey

Hi all I hope all
Is well
Let me tell you about my 2 year eviction case and how you can not be afraid to fight, ask questions and stand firm on business, I’m still standing

This is a brief timeline of me facing eviction while at the same time thriving I’m sharing this information for renters to understand that they do not have to be afraid to fight. Yes most evictions in court are for non payment of rent which is absurd because over half of renters make less than $30,000 a year so yes they will be in eviction court
However this is my journey of facing eviction for non renewal of lease because I advocate for renters.
Always consult an attorney about any letters you receive from court or your landlord.
I am sharing this info because I’m tired of seeing renters go to court and signing their lives away because the eviction court is complicated and they are scared and they leave court with a piece of paper stating they have 7 days to vacate the property. Always consult an attorney always always always or hire an attorney
We need laws that provide attorneys for everyone to have in court.

The information I am sharing on my journey to fight my eviction comes from years of research, attending court for myself and with others and connecting with others community groups. Homeowners, community stakeholders.

In February 2022 I received a lease renewal from the current apartment complex where I reside

In February 2022 I met with the regional manager to discuss the concerns about the property and positive updates on the property which included my non profit We Thrive on Riverside Renters association providing activities and resources

Immediately after the meeting the regional manager cancelled my lease renewal offer on my private residence and informed me to move out at the end of my lease in April 2022

May 2022 my daughter graduated from college

In May I was a candidate for Georgia state house representative HD39 finished 1st place out of 5 candidates lost in the runoff

I continued to reside on property

In July 2022 the property returned my rental payments

In July 2022 youth hosted national night out against crime event

Reports made on property about maintenance neglect

In September 2022 the property manager
changed the locks
On the resource center doors

In October 2022 the apartment complex filed eviction on me for non payment

We Thrive on Riverside Renters Association continued to provide resources and activities

In February 2023 my court case rescheduled due to me having a temporary stay because I filed bankruptcy

We Thrive on Riverside Renters Association received community foundation of Atlanta grant that primary focus is to support renters advocacy
April 2023 my son And youth participates in project

In April 2O23 I was candidate for Mableton City Council. Finished first place in the first go round list by 30 votes in the runoff.

June 2023 my father passed away

June 2023 press conference held with SCLC, Atlanta housing justice league

In July 2023 my eviction case was rescheduled, the new regional manager provided tasks for my non profit to accomplish and stated that once completed the back rent ($26,000) would be removed and the rent going forward would be water utility .

Reports made on property about maintenance neglect

July 2023 Riverside community observes national night out against crime event

August 2023 My son starts his final year of high school

September 8th 2023 the court case was dismissed
New management company on property

Reports made on property about maintenance neglect

October 2023 I received notice that I would not be offered a lease or would not be renewed and I needed to vacate the property by October 31st 2023

Property manager and regional manager requested for me to remove items from the community resource room. On the day we were removing items the property manager called the police on me.

I had no where to put the items and the items are in the porch of the private residence

November 2023 new eviction filed on me for holding over on property and court case is scheduled for January 2024

December 2023 code enforcement visited the property gave me a violation storing items on the porch on private residence

Code enforcement returns on the property and gave me a ticket for $135 for the items that are my private residence and stated they were visiting the office to discuss about maintenance neglect

January 19th 2024 court case rescheduled I request a hearing with witnesses

February 2nd 2024 court case held in Cobb County Magistrate court. Prior to the court hearing the apartment complex offered me a lease with amount that I did not agree with. ( which was a win because the original case begin in February 2022 when the property refuse to offer me a lease) after 2 years I am offered a lease
However

I chose to go to hearing because I have a written statement from the regional manager from July 2023 which stated that if I completed tasks I would only have to pay is water and that is why the case was dismissed because I completed the tasks.

The witnesses provided testimony for me satisfying the regional manager tasks.

The judge recognized the non renewal of lease holding over

The judge recognized the last lease on record as the rent to be paid to court which is $200 lower than the new lease offer from the property

The judge dismissed the request for the property to request past due amount

The judge dismissed my retaliation case

I will be filling an appeal to the court and pay my current rent amount to the court

I will remain on the property

I am sharing this info because I’m tired of seeing renters go to court and signing their lives away because the eviction court is complicated and they are scared and they leave court with a piece of paper stating they have 7 days to vacate the property. Always consult an attorney always always always or hire an attorney
We need laws that provide attorneys for everyone to have in court.

Thank you to everyone if you sent prayers letters emails and attended court with me during these past 2 years you did it because you care.

The marathon continues
Stay thriving

Monica DeLancy