Atlanta residents are speaking out following an increasing trend in squatter takeovers!
According to The National Rental Home Council (NRHC) trade group a total of 1,200 homeowners are currently experiencing issues with squatters. It has been indicated that the widespread of squatters has become a less-than-easy task to handle due to a lack of legal resources and police backing.
The New York Post reports that squatting has become more common as listings appearing online along with virtual real estate agents are easier to access. Which allows people the ability to break into vacant properties.
In 2023 an Atlanta neighborhood made major headlines after squatters turned a property into an illegal strip club. Authorities were contacted regarding complaints of weekend parties and housing live horses.
Sources state that DeAnthony Maddox, Jeremy Wheat, Kelvin Hall, and Tarahsjay Forde—were all arrested for illegally occupying the South Fulton located home. They are said to have hosted large parties that disturbed the peace, conducted street races and more.