Tenants Learn Their Rights at Columbus Community Forum

With reports of substandard housing continuing to surface throughout the Columbus area, local media outlets and legal advocates have joined forces to educate residents on their rights as tenants and equip them with tools to demand fair treatment.

Davis Broadcasting, The Courier Eco Latino newspaper, and The Foster Firm hosted a “Tenants: Know Your Rights” community forum on Tuesday, Oct. 21, at the Girls Inc. Baker Center, 3535 Levy Road. The event, which drew a diverse crowd of tenants, community leaders, and housing advocates, was also broadcast live on K92.7 FM and WOKS AM 1340 / 94.1 FM, ensuring that the message reached households across the Chattahoochee Valley.

Addressing a Growing Crisis

Organizers said the event was born out of escalating concerns over deteriorating housing conditions and the lack of strong tenant protections in Georgia, one of the few states without an explicit “warranty of habitability” law requiring landlords to maintain livable conditions.

In recent months, local residents have reported a wide range of housing issues — from broken heating systems and leaking roofs to mold infestations and pest problems — often with little recourse when landlords failed to act.

“These aren’t isolated complaints; they’re part of a larger pattern,” said Geniece Granville, vice president and general manager of Davis Broadcasting, Inc., who moderated the forum. “When tenants are afraid to speak up, whole neighborhoods can fall into decline. This forum was about helping people find their voice — and their power.”

The Rights Every Tenant Should Know

Panelists included Adrian Chester of Prestige Realty, Pat Frey of United Way, and attorneys Keith and Arnice Foster of The Foster Firm. Together, they walked attendees through the fundamental rights and responsibilities of tenants under Georgia law.

Landlords, the panelists explained, have a legal duty to provide safe and habitable housing. This means the property must be structurally sound and meet health and safety standards — including working plumbing, electricity, heating, and air conditioning systems, as well as secure doors and windows.

Critical repairs affecting a tenant’s ability to live safely in their home — such as heating failures during winter or broken water lines — should be addressed promptly, often within 24 to 48 hours.

Tenants, on the other hand, must carefully read their leases to understand which maintenance tasks they are responsible for and which fall under the landlord’s obligations. Ignorance of these details can lead to disputes or even eviction.

“Tenants have rights — but they also have to play an active role in protecting them,” said Attorney Keith Foster. “Don’t rely on word of mouth or assumptions. Know what’s in your lease, document everything, and never be afraid to ask for help.”

The Power of Documentation

Throughout the evening, one theme echoed repeatedly: Document everything.

Panelists urged attendees to keep written records of all correspondence with landlords, including repair requests and complaints. Photos and videos of unsafe conditions can serve as vital evidence if a dispute reaches court or mediation.

“Your documentation is your defense,” said Attorney Arnice Foster. “It’s your proof, your protection, and your power when you’re standing up for your rights. A landlord’s memory can change, but your photos and written records won’t.”

United Way representative Pat Frey added that community organizations can often connect tenants to legal aid, emergency housing support, and mediation services — especially for families facing eviction or uninhabitable conditions.

A Community Approach to Housing Justice

In addition to offering legal education, the forum emphasized the importance of collective advocacy. Several speakers noted that improving housing conditions in Columbus requires collaboration among residents, landlords, civic leaders, and policymakers.

Adrian Chester, broker and property manager with Prestige Realty, said that ethical landlords also have a stake in the conversation. “Good landlords want stable, long-term tenants. We all benefit when we create housing that’s clean, safe, and properly maintained. Forums like this help both sides understand what’s expected.”

Granville added that Davis Broadcasting and The Courier Eco Latino plan to continue hosting similar educational forums addressing key issues affecting the community — from housing to health care to voting rights.

“This is what community media is about,” Granville said. “It’s not just about reporting the news — it’s about being part of the solution.”