ATLANTA — Families at a southwest Atlanta apartment complex say they have been unable to cook meals or heat their homes after natural gas service to the entire property was shut off nearly a week ago.
Residents at the Fairburn and Gordon Apartments told Channel 2 Action News the gas was disconnected because the property owner failed to pay the bill. Apartment management has allegedly shared that explanation with renters.
“The basics, heat and water are the basics,” one resident said.
Tenants say the loss of gas has forced them to spend extra money on prepared food because they cannot use their stoves. Others say they are relying on warmer temperatures to get by without heat.
“The frustration level is really high,” another resident said.
A woman who asked not to show her face for safety reasons said she does not understand why the city continues to allow the complex to operate.
“I’m not understanding why the city has allowed these people to keep these apartments open,” she said.
The shutoff is the latest problem at a property that has faced years of complaints and code enforcement action.
In 2024, the federal government stopped allowing the use of Housing and Urban Development vouchers at the complex and removed HUD tenants because of numerous maintenance issues, including mold, collapsing floors and violent crime.
City records show the owners currently face nearly 40 code enforcement cases filed by the City of Atlanta.
In 2024, an Atlanta Municipal Court judge denied a request to demolish the complex after the owners said they had invested more than $500,000 in improvements. Several renters said they have not seen those upgrades.
One tenant said her family pays just over $1,000 a month for a three-bedroom unit without state or federal assistance. She said city leaders should not overlook residents who pay market rent.
“A lot of these apartments are falling. Even the floors are falling apart. So how are you going to renovate?” she said.
She went on to say moving is not a simple option.
“I would love for people to realize there are people still living here, and it’s not as easy as saying you can just pick up and move,” she said.
Channel 2 Action News attempted to reach apartment management during posted office hours but received no response. An attorney who previously represented the owners said he no longer represents them and could not comment.
The City of Atlanta said it is reviewing the situation, and all litigation is pending.
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