A tenants’ rights group in Mableton has hired a law firm to represent residents dealing with unsafe housing conditions, following the city’s recent approval of an ordinance targeting negligent landlords.
We Thrive On Riverside Renters Association announced it has retained The Brock Law Group, a local firm, to advocate for residents at three apartment complexes on Riverside Parkway: Silver Creek Apartments, 575 Apartments, and Residences at Riverside. These complexes have faced ongoing issues including mold that has not been removed, rodent infestations, broken windows, poorly maintained grounds, frequent changes in management, caved-in ceilings, malfunctioning air conditioning units, and ceiling leaks.
“This is about dignity, accountability, and ensuring every resident has the opportunity to thrive,” said Monica DeLancy, founder of the association.
The Brock Law Group will provide legal support by representing residents in eviction court cases, pushing for overdue maintenance requests to be addressed more quickly, and helping current residents move into safer housing options. Attorney Christopher Brock described the reported living conditions as “shocking.”
“It’s one of those stories that you never want to hear come from someone close to you or a family member,” Brock said. “If I wouldn’t send my mom or my sister or my wife to live in those kinds of conditions, then clearly something needs to be done.
“Before you can meet any other need in life, you need a roof over your head.”
In addition to legal efforts, We Thrive On Riverside is starting the Thrive Ambassadors Program. This new initiative will allow residents at the three complexes to serve as advocates and educators within their neighborhoods by sharing information on how to address landlord or apartment-related concerns.
“These efforts reflect our commitment to making sure residents not only have safe and stable housing but a real voice in shaping their community,” DeLancy said.
These actions follow Mableton City Council’s unanimous passage of the Safe and Healthy Housing Ordinance. The ordinance defines what counts as livable housing—setting standards for issues such as heating systems that work properly; water or electrical systems; structural integrity; pest infestations; unresolved mold or moisture problems; blocked entrances; threats to physical safety; and exposure risks like rain or cold air inside homes. It also includes protections against retaliation by landlords for tenants who report problems.
“The goal for this is to make sure that all of our residents in the city of Mableton, no matter where they live, or what type of housing they have, that it is safe and that it is healthy for them,” said Mayor Michael Owens.
For further details about these initiatives visit wethriverenters.com.
