The mayor of South Fulton, Georiga, Mayor Khalid Kamau, AKA “Mayor Kobi,” is dealing with eviction from his house, a transfer he contends is politically motivated.
Channel 2 Motion Information obtained Fulton County courtroom paperwork indicating that Kamau was served a summons March 19 for $1,663.77 in unpaid lease for that month.
Residents of South Fulton have expressed blended reactions to the mayor’s monetary state of affairs. “You possibly can’t belief somebody that may’t sustain their very own funds and life to run town,” neighbor Mlyk Williams mentioned.
Conversely, one other argued that non-public issues ought to stay separate from skilled duties: “It has nothing to do along with his perform as a public official; that’s actually his non-public life.”
In a press release to Channel 2, the mayor spoke about his eviction standing and hinted that his recurring troubles could also be politically motivated.
“I wasn’t anticipating to wish a authorized group once I introduced my re-election plans in January, however I suppose that’s the best way the political sport is performed now,” the assertion learn.
Mayor Kobi, who earns $47,000 yearly in his part-time function, equated his monetary challenges to these confronted by many People. “I signify over 200 million People for whom an sudden expense of $1,000 can imply monetary disaster.”
In response to such housing challenges, Georgia enacted the Safe at Residence Act, Home Invoice 404, in 2024. Signed into regulation by Governor Brian Kemp, this laws introduces protections for residents who face eviction and predatory housing practices:
- Habitat Requirements: Landlords are required to make sure rental properties are “match for human habitation,” addressing points like mould, pests, and non-functioning utilities.
- Safety Deposit Cap: Safety deposits are capped at not more than two months’ lease.
- Eviction Grace Interval: Tenants are granted a three-business-day grace interval to pay overdue lease earlier than eviction proceedings can start.
- Utility Protections: Landlords are prohibited from disconnecting air con previous to finishing the eviction course of.
These measures goal to supply Georgia renters with enhanced stability and safety of their housing conditions.
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