‘Roaches, rats, bed bugs:’ South Fulton residents speak out on living conditions

SOUTH FULTON, Ga. — A local city is taking on the owners of an apartment complex and fighting for its tenants.

South Fulton residents said they’ve been taking cold showers for more than a month and that’s not all.

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“Here, I had to tape the wall up, to keep the rats and roaches out of here,” said Patricia Reese.

Patricia Reese showed Channel 2′s Larry Spruill the conditions inside her Vesta Gardens Apartment.

“Roaches, rats, bed bugs, you name it. It’s here,” said Reese.

Reese said over the last few years, her and her neighbors have made several complaints about their apartments. But they have been getting the run around.

“One property manager after another, after another after another,” said Reese.

On top of that, there’s now another issue.

“The water is very cold. Cold as ice,” said Reese.

And it’s been that way for the last month. South Fulton Mayor Khalid stopped by the apartment complex.

“I was alarmed but again that’s why we tell people, we don’t know what’s going on inside the unit unless someone calls us,” said Mayor Khalid.

Mayor Khalid said they’ve had issues with this complex and previous management before.

“They are in our Code Enforcement court right now. We’re working to strengthen regulations for landlords and property owners,” said Mayor Khalid.

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Reese said she’s had enough and is moving out but points out most of her neighbors can’t.

“I maybe moving on but they’re still here, so they need help, too, as well. I’m speaking for the whole community,” said Reese.

Channel 2 Actions News called the management office several times and even stopped by, but no one was there. The mayor also said his team tried reaching out, but they couldn’t get an answer either.

For those who are going through similar situations, there is help. You can South Fulton residents can call 470-809-8355, or visit Georgia’s Tenant Guide

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