LEESBURG, Ga. (WALB) - From higher utility rates to job loss, this time of year is when most evictions occur according to the non-profit organization, SOWGA Rising.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office recently took to social media, addressing the influx of calls they have received regarding the eviction process and how to initiate Dispossessory proceedings. They urged residents to contact the county’s magistrate court for more information on next steps.

“We have an evictions crisis and a housing crisis across the state anyway. Georgia has some of the highest eviction rates and we also have a problem with not having enough sufficient housing. There is not enough rental properties or homes being built here so people literally have nowhere to go,” said Sherrell Byrd, Founder and Executive Director of SOWEGA Rising.

When facing eviction, it’s important renters in southwest Georgia know their rights. Just last year, the state of Georgia passed House Bill 404 or the “Safe at Home” Act.

“That bill gives a three-day grace period to tenants so they can’t just be removed the first day they learn of their eviction. They have three days where they can make right that eviction. They can catch up on payments in those three days and still maintain their living standards,” continued Byrd.

Sherrell urges local leaders to invest in programs to aid the homeless population and even programs that assist homeowners with their down payments.

“It costs the community $11,000 per eviction. So, it’s actually more costly to the city when someone is evicted. It’s in our best interest to reinvest that $11,000 per person back into emergency rental assistant programs and other programs that will help citizens avoid eviction in the first place,” said Byrd.

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