Senator Ossoff Seeks Input from Georgia Renters Impacted by Corporate and Slum Landlords

Senator Jon Ossoff is calling on Georgians to share their experiences with abusive or negligent landlords, whether in single-family rentals owned by large corporations or in apartments plagued by slum-like conditions.

Through the “Share Your Story” section of his official website, residents can describe challenges such as unfair fees, inadequate maintenance, unsafe living conditions, or difficulty competing with corporate buyers for homes.

Ossoff’s inquiry is centered on the growing influence of large, out-of-state companies in Georgia’s housing market. A 2024 report revealed that corporations owned a significant portion of single-family rentals in metro Atlanta, with ownership concentration climbing higher by 2025, particularly in Henry County. Companies such as Invitation Homes, Main Street Renewal, Tricon Residential, and Progress Residential have been flagged for their aggressive purchasing practices and fees.

But the crisis is not limited to single-family homes. In communities like Mableton, apartment renters have raised concerns about slum landlord behavior—from broken appliances and mold to pest infestations and unsafe building conditions. Families report that repairs are often delayed or ignored, while rents and fees continue to rise. For years, their complaints to Cobb County leadership, including Chair Lisa Cupid and District Commissioner Monique Sheffield, were met with responses that officials’ “hands are tied,” leaving renters to suffer in inhumane conditions.

With the creation of the new City of Mableton, some progress is finally being made. City officials recently passed a measure aimed at stronger enforcement against negligent landlords. Still, renters worry this does not go deep enough to address long-standing problems and ensure safe, dignified housing.

These stories echo the complaints Ossoff has heard across the state, where many renters feel trapped between corporate landlords and negligent local property owners. Renters in Mableton and across the state are encouraged to share their experiences with abusive or negligent landlords with Senator Jon Ossoff, whether in single-family rentals owned by large corporations or in apartments plagued by slum-like conditions.

Through the “Share Your Story” section of his official website, residents can describe challenges such as unfair fees, inadequate maintenance, unsafe living conditions, or difficulty competing with corporate buyers for homes.

The Senator’s investigation seeks to expose:

• Ownership structures of large landlords
• Their purchasing practices in local markets
• The fees and conditions imposed on renters
• The extent of neglect in both corporate-owned homes and apartment complexes

This effort builds on Ossoff’s broader push for housing affordability and tenant protections. His work includes:

• Introducing legislation to help certain professionals buy homes and requiring rental payment reporting to credit bureaus for tenants in federally financed properties.
• Securing federal funding for affordable housing projects.
• Holding Senate hearings where tenants testified about dangerous and poorly maintained housing.
• Requesting federal investigations into housing affordability and rental conditions.
• Passing an amendment ensuring federal oversight of living conditions in HUD-supported rentals.

Georgians can share their stories with Senator Ossoff’s office by completing the form on his official website. Residents may also reach his Atlanta office by phone or through the site’s contact form.

Atlanta, GA: 470-786-7800
Augusta, GA: 706-261-5031
Columbus, GA: 706-780-7053
Savannah, GA: 912-200-9402
Washington D.C.: 202-224-3521