COLUMBIA, S.C. — Residents of Columbia Gardens Apartments have reported receiving alarming eviction notices for failure to pay rent, with amounts ranging from $200 to $10,000. Many tenants claim they have consistently paid their rent on time.
Brittany Eady, a resident who has lived at the complex for 5 years, expressed her frustration. “I lost my kids' father, and staying here is helpful for me, because I lost that help from, you know, him being gone,” she said.
Despite paying $500 in rent each month, Eady received an eviction notice on October 26, stating she owed $2,100. “I pay my rent on time. I don't know why. How does this balance even get to $2,100?” she asked.
The notices, sent out last Friday, have left residents confused and worried. Eady is not alone; other tenants have reported receiving similar eviction letters, sparking concern throughout the community.
According to the South Carolina Housing website, Columbia Gardens is both a Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) property and part of the Project-Based Contract Administration (PBCA/HUD) program.
However, confusion arose when the South Carolina Housing Authority stated that the complex had distributed incorrect eviction notices. “The correct letters will be distributed October 29th and will provide residents with 30 days to pay charges,” a statement from a representative said.
Despite this assurance, residents on Tuesday reported that they had not yet received the corrected letters.
To understand the situation better, News19 reached out to the Beacon Property Group, which owns the complex, but did not receive a response to our questions asking for clarification.
Adam Partheroe, a litigation lawyer with SC Appleseed Legal Justice Center, raised questions about the sudden influx of eviction notices. “With a large majority of the tenants in the apartment complex all of a sudden getting an eviction notice, my question is, ‘Okay, what changed?’ Because it seems clear to me something did, and it may be accurate, but there are a lot of ways it could not be to which would give me some concern,” he stated.
On Monday, News19 attempted to speak with management at Columbia Gardens Apartments, but an employee asked the team to leave the property. The complex and Beacon Property Group have not yet responded to further inquiries.
As residents await clarity, the situation remains unsolved, with many questioning the legitimacy of the eviction notices they received.