A property owned by a rent-to-own real estate company in an Atlanta suburb has been taken over by squatters, leading to disturbances in the neighborhood. The incident, which occurred at the Villas at Camp Creek in South Fulton, has raised concerns among residents.
According to a member of the homeowners association, Mykah Richard, the squatters have engaged in disruptive behavior, including aggressive fights, large parties, and littering. Additionally, violations such as residents walking dogs off leash have been reported.
The South Fulton Police Department responded to reports of squatting at a home on Kiram Terrace, citing individuals for squatting on multiple occasions. Residents have indicated that the squatters have been occupying the property for over a year and a half.
While the police have taken action against the squatters, the eviction process is managed by the Fulton County Marshal's Office. The property in question is owned by Divvy Homes, a real estate agency offering a rent-to-own program. Residents suspect that the program may have been exploited by the squatters.
Squatting is defined as the unlawful possession of a property, which can occur in cases of foreclosure or through fraudulent means. Daniel Phillips, a real estate litigation partner, highlighted these two primary ways in which squatting typically occurs.
Efforts to address the ongoing squatting issue at the property have involved multiple evictions in the past, with the most recent group of squatters moving in as recently as late August. The situation has prompted concerns among residents and authorities alike, highlighting the need for effective measures to prevent and address squatting incidents.
