Georgia Tenant Lives in Garden Tent Over Unresolved Mold Dispute with Landlord
An upset Georgia woman has resorted to desperate measures to address a persistent mold problem in her rental property, alleging that her landlord has ignored her complaints for months. Erica Jackson, a resident of Carrollton, has been living in her yard since March due to unresolved issues that she claims have rendered her home unsafe.
'I can't breathe in my house,' Jackson told WSB-TV. 'Even with the windows up.' She has moved into a tent just outside her residence, which she described as 'a little tight,' but equipped with a television screen, an air conditioning unit, a makeshift kitchen, and a bed. Jackson emphasized that she considers her house uninhabitable and is actively seeking assistance to resolve the situation.
Landlord Disputes Mold Claims and Cites Unpaid Rent
Her landlord, Wilson Family Properties, has insisted that Jackson's home does not have a mold issue and has accused her of owing four months of back rent. Jackson denied this, stating that she withheld only one month's payment due to the landlord's failure to address the mold problem. Carrollton, located about 50 miles west of Atlanta near Georgia's border with Alabama, is the site of this ongoing conflict.
After Jackson complained for weeks, Wilson Family Properties hired a third party to inspect the home. The report found elevated levels of outdoor mold inside the property but did not recommend additional remediation. In response, Jackson hired her own specialist, who confirmed high levels of outdoor mold and noted a possible moisture issue with the home's roof.
Conflicting Inspection Reports and Legal Proceedings
However, Wilson Family Properties maintained that two companies it hired found no mold issues, with one report stating, 'I see no reason to suspect a mold issue in the home at this time,' according to WSB-TV. Court records viewed by the station show that Wilson Family Properties has filed a magistrate court case seeking approximately $1,200, alleging unpaid rent.
Jackson reiterated her denial of owing four months of rent, insisting she only withheld one month. 'I'm in a binding contract, and the same way I'm supposed to hold up my end of the bargain, they're supposed to hold up theirs,' she said. A judge is scheduled to hear the case this Friday, where Jackson will present findings from her own inspection.
Social Media Outcry and Personal Background
Jackson addressed her situation on a public social media profile yesterday evening, writing, 'This is my current life!!' Her profile describes her as a 'loyal mother and friend' with previous work experience as an executive director and public relations coordinator. The Daily Mail has reached out to both Jackson and Wilson Family Properties for further comment, highlighting the broader implications for tenant rights and housing standards in rental properties.
