My Atlanta: Janaya Keaton was just evicted, and she blames gentrification (Sandy Springs: extended stay, lease)

[LynnHarris1]

When the landlord’s letter came in July, Janaya Keaton knew her life was about to be upended: The rent on her 1920s bungalow in Adair Park, where the special needs educator and divorcee had lived with her two young sons since 2011, would be increasing $400 to $1,500. Keaton could either pay or leave by August 22. Unable to afford the increased rent, Keaton says she opted for the latter, and the scurry began..."

FULL STORY/SOURCE: https://atlanta.curbed.com/2018/9/14...rdable-housing

[CaliDreaming01]

Heartbreaking read...

[Atlwarrior]

I would be leary of this story after the divorce part which meant a reduction in income. Curbed should do an article on those who purchase and can afford the increase. I have significant equity from my West End purchase now and view it as an investment instead of displacement. Furthermore did people really think we would continue to pay those 1970 levels tax assessment.

[cwkimbro]

I'm curious when she got the letter....

I'm wondering if we need to create better laws that say if the rent is increased more than x% in one year, a 3 or 4 months notice must be given.

She can find properties to rent better than an extended stay in Sandy Springs, but it does mean she needs to branch out to an area outside what she might now. She can find good rentable homes in places like Stone Mountain, western, southern, and eastern suburbs at her current rent. However, that means she needs the time to face facts, look around, and provide ample time for the process of reaching an agreement with a new would-be landlord.

[seussie]

Ugh, an Extended Stay. I hope this article helps draw resourceful people to her so she can move in somewhere else, soon.

[Gulch]

I'm sorry but "evicted" =/= "leaving because your rent went up."

[SharenaLoggins]

This story is not surprising. I have heard horror stories of the annual increases in rent ITP up from maybe $40 to over $300. Since there are no laws that require landlords to give a certain amount of time before they give notice people usually learn about the rent increase 30 days before the lease is set to renew.

It's unfortunate that most people can barely afford the rent they're already paying let alone an increase of over $300 per month!

It's cheaper to buy if you can!

[brownhornet]

Originally Posted by Gulch

I'm sorry but "evicted" =/= "leaving because your rent went up."

It may as well be. When you're multiplying someone's monthly rent/mortgage by over 3 times over with a few weeks notice, the majority wouldn't be able to handle that.

[Gulch]

Originally Posted by Atlwarrior

Furthermore did people really think we would continue to pay those 1970 levels tax assessment.

Yes, because people are stupid.

[Gulch]

Originally Posted by brownhornet

It may as well be. When you're multiplying someone's monthly rent/mortgage by over 3 times over with a few weeks notice, the majority wouldn't be able to handle that.

Unless I misread the article, Ms. Keaton's rent increased by $400 to $1500.