Analysis: The Impact of Atlanta’s Crackdown on Serial Housing Code Violators
In the past year, the City of Atlanta has enforced a major crackdown on properties with numerous housing code violations as part of its Safe and Secure Housing Program. The results of the initiative are now beginning to show, with significant improvements in Atlanta’s housing standards and a reported decrease in violent crime.
Understanding the Safe and Secure Housing Program
The Safe and Secure Housing Program was launched by the city of Atlanta a year ago, with an initial funding of $800,000 from the municipal Affordable Housing Trust Fund. The primary aim of the program was not merely to sanction negligent landlords or rid the city of unsightly apartment complexes. Instead, the program sought to tackle violent crime at its roots–escalating housing violations. Up until now, enforcement and oversight actions have been initiated against 27 properties within the city, the majority of which were featured in the local “Dangerous Dwellings” database, notorious for crime-infested and hazardous living conditions.
The Program’s Progress
To combat neglectful and predatory landlords, the city hired seven new code enforcement officers for the Atlanta Solicitor’s Office and collaborated with private attorneys for prosecution. Thus far, the augmented task force has successfully brought eight of the most hazardous complexes into compliance with the housing code. The task force has been closely monitoring the improved complexes to ensure they maintain the housing code standards.
Case Studies: Successful Rehabilitation of Properties
Several properties, once infamous for their poor living conditions, have now undergone major transformations under the program. For example, The Premier at 1935–a property previously marred by numerous complaints of violence and unsafe living conditions–is now a poster child for the initiative’s success.
Similarly, the Royal Oaks apartments, another hotbed for crime and housing violations, is now back in compliance with the housing code. This Florida-owned property underwent rehabilitation after accumulating 185 code complaints, along with several reports of assaults, robberies, and sexual crimes.
The Road Ahead
Despite these successes, there remain numerous properties that require attention. The 27 properties currently under scrutiny of the Safe and Secure Housing team house more than 5,000 rental units. In the past year, noncompliance notices have been issued to five properties that cumulatively house nearly 500 units. These properties have been identified through tenant complaints about living conditions and violent crimes.
Eight properties are in varying stages of the civil code enforcement process, meaning they’ve endured code violation notices and the city has filed lawsuits against them. The city is persistently engaged in litigation with landlords over two properties with multiple code violations. The Safe and Secure Housing task force continues to discover and address new code violations in several apartment complexes.
Overall, the results of Atlanta’s crackdown on housing code violations through its Safe and Secure Housing Program are promising. With a focus on not just punishing negligent landlords but on rehabilitation, the city is making significant strides in improving housing conditions and community safety, offering a model that other cities may look to for inspiration.
