Sudden charges leave residents reeling—“We had no say”
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Imagine opening your monthly water bill to find the amount due has skyrocketed to an eye-watering $400.
For residents of Waldrop Park Condominiums, this scenario became a harsh reality after their Homeowners Association (HOA) decided to switch water service billing providers, leaving many homeowners in a state of shock and frustration.
How can you avoid falling into the same set of circumstances?
Residents voiced concerns that the recent switch in service providers—one they say they didn’t support—will significantly increase their water bills beyond what many can manage.
One homeowner shared, “I can’t afford no $400 a month water bill at all.”
Both renters and landlords in Southwest Atlanta told Channel 2 Action News that the company has been shutting off water service over disputed charges.
One individual explained, “I was basically told that Jasber would turn the water meter off to the client if they have a past due bill.”
They added, “I didn’t have [an]other choice but to pay the water bill because they had turned my service off.”
Previously, the HOA had been covering payments to DeKalb County for water use, according to residents. Now, bills are being sent directly to condo owners by Jasber Utility.
Another homeowner voiced their frustration, saying, “You should really be getting a judgment before you turn the water off.”
Residents pointed to a copy of their agreement with Jasber, which confirms the company holds the authority to shut off water service.
The HOA stated it spent over eight months researching before ultimately selecting Jasber as the new provider.
The utility changes come alongside another housing upheaval: a long-time renter was forced to leave the home she’d lived in for nine years following a sudden property sale.
Stacey Matthews said she had only a few days to vacate after her landlord’s property was abruptly sold.
In Norman, residents of the OU motel—an affordable housing option—are also scrambling after the property was sold to a developer. Tenants were given just 30 days to leave.
Matthews shared, “A lot of us don’t have a lot of options. We made some of the best friends we’ve ever had here. This is it. We became a family.”
She originally moved into the motel with her mother nine years ago and has been on her own since her mother passed away. For now, she plans to move in with a neighbor.
Another resident, Bryan Poindexter, reflected on the upheaval, expressing, “Here we are starting all over again.”
He added, “I’m a grown man. I live by myself. So, I mean, it sucks, but there’s little kids out there.”
In light of these events, it's crucial for homeowners and renters to stay informed about their rights and the terms of their agreements with service providers. Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself:
1. Review your service contracts: Understand the terms and conditions, including any clauses that could affect your access to utilities.
2. Engage with your HOA: Attend meetings, voice your concerns, and stay involved in the decision-making process.
3. Know your rights: Research local laws and regulations that protect consumers from unfair billing practices and service shutoffs.
4. Build community support: Connect with neighbors to share information and discuss collective actions if necessary.
Source: WSB-TV / Youtube.
Read next: You won’t believe how this man could lose his house over a $4,300 HOA parking fine – are you at risk too?
Have you faced similar challenges? How did you handle the situation? What advice would you give to others in the same boat? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below!
For residents of Waldrop Park Condominiums, this scenario became a harsh reality after their Homeowners Association (HOA) decided to switch water service billing providers, leaving many homeowners in a state of shock and frustration.
How can you avoid falling into the same set of circumstances?
Residents voiced concerns that the recent switch in service providers—one they say they didn’t support—will significantly increase their water bills beyond what many can manage.
One homeowner shared, “I can’t afford no $400 a month water bill at all.”
Both renters and landlords in Southwest Atlanta told Channel 2 Action News that the company has been shutting off water service over disputed charges.
One individual explained, “I was basically told that Jasber would turn the water meter off to the client if they have a past due bill.”
Homeowners at Waldrop Park Condominiums are upset over a service provider change by their HOA, resulting in $400 water bills. Image source: WSB-TV / Youtube.
They added, “I didn’t have [an]other choice but to pay the water bill because they had turned my service off.”
Previously, the HOA had been covering payments to DeKalb County for water use, according to residents. Now, bills are being sent directly to condo owners by Jasber Utility.
Another homeowner voiced their frustration, saying, “You should really be getting a judgment before you turn the water off.”
Residents pointed to a copy of their agreement with Jasber, which confirms the company holds the authority to shut off water service.
The HOA stated it spent over eight months researching before ultimately selecting Jasber as the new provider.
The utility changes come alongside another housing upheaval: a long-time renter was forced to leave the home she’d lived in for nine years following a sudden property sale.
Stacey Matthews said she had only a few days to vacate after her landlord’s property was abruptly sold.
In Norman, residents of the OU motel—an affordable housing option—are also scrambling after the property was sold to a developer. Tenants were given just 30 days to leave.
The HOA was previously responsible for paying water usage fees, but now condo owners will be billed directly by Jasber Utility. Image source: WSB-TV / Youtube.
Residents are not in favor of the billing provider switch to Jasber Utility and fear losing water if they protest the high bills. Image source: WSB-TV.
Matthews shared, “A lot of us don’t have a lot of options. We made some of the best friends we’ve ever had here. This is it. We became a family.”
She originally moved into the motel with her mother nine years ago and has been on her own since her mother passed away. For now, she plans to move in with a neighbor.
Another resident, Bryan Poindexter, reflected on the upheaval, expressing, “Here we are starting all over again.”
He added, “I’m a grown man. I live by myself. So, I mean, it sucks, but there’s little kids out there.”
In light of these events, it's crucial for homeowners and renters to stay informed about their rights and the terms of their agreements with service providers. Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself:
1. Review your service contracts: Understand the terms and conditions, including any clauses that could affect your access to utilities.
2. Engage with your HOA: Attend meetings, voice your concerns, and stay involved in the decision-making process.
3. Know your rights: Research local laws and regulations that protect consumers from unfair billing practices and service shutoffs.
4. Build community support: Connect with neighbors to share information and discuss collective actions if necessary.
Source: WSB-TV / Youtube.
Read next: You won’t believe how this man could lose his house over a $4,300 HOA parking fine – are you at risk too?
Have you faced similar challenges? How did you handle the situation? What advice would you give to others in the same boat? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below!
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