First, I would like to commend The Post for its “Do Not Pass Inspection” story. It’s true that many of the rental properties here in Athens are definitely not up to code and it is an issue that is not talked about enough.
However, I was extremely disappointed to see my very own address, 79 Franklin Ave., mentioned for violations that were reported by previous tenants before I even moved into my beloved little home. The article stated, “The tenants could not be reached for comment.” I was not aware anyone attempted to reach me and I do, in fact, have a comment.
I have previously leased houses through other rental companies in Athens and let me tell you, the landlords were nowhere near as attentive, helpful and understanding as Housing Hotlink has been.
Other companies have their fair share of code violations as well, which the article mentioned, but I think the most important thing is how quickly these issues are fixed.
Last year I rented through a different company and a basement door on the outside of the house was constantly ajar because the door latch was broken. That issue was not fixed until winter break when it caused the pipes to burst. I had to fight tooth and nail with my former landlords to get out of paying for the busted pipes.
I am sure, had I hypothetically rented that home through Housing Hotlink, that A) this would never have been an issue; they certainly would have sent someone to fix it ASAP, as it was not only a risk to the pipes, but also to our safety as there were stairs (albeit very dilapidated) in the basement leading up into our house.
And B) If somehow it did turn into a “Who’s paying the tab?” situation, most likely Housing Hotlink would have acted as reasonable human beings, admitting that it was their fault for not fixing the door sooner and footing the bill.
Nevertheless, this letter is not to dog on other slum-like landlords here in Athens (of which there are more than a few), but rather to clear up any misconceptions students may have gotten about Housing Hotlink from the article “Do Not Pass Inspection.”
I love my house and it is an excellent rental property, one that surpasses many others I have visited and rented. I have had a few issues here and there and Housing Hotlink has fixed them all right away.
They attempt to get their tenants involved in the community, try to watch out for their safety, and even go so far as to throw contests around special seasons (such as the Halloween house decoration contest they held in October.)
None of those things are required of them, and not many rental companies in Athens go as far out of their way to make students feel really at home in their off-campus houses.
Housing Hotlink is an excellent rental company and I recommend it to anyone looking to move off campus.
Sunny Radcliffe is a senior studying communication sciences and disorders
