Tenants Complain of Rat Infestation and No Heat at Atlanta Apartments

Residents say property management has failed to address ongoing issues at Woodlands at Cascade complex.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 6:47pm

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Tenants at the Woodlands at Cascade apartment complex in Atlanta say they are dealing with a severe rat infestation and lack of heat, issues they claim property management has failed to resolve. Residents Jasmine Johnson and Tamala Henderson report hearing rats scratching and moving between units, causing health concerns for their families. Despite contacting management multiple times, the tenants say they have received little to no assistance.

Why it matters

This story highlights the challenges low-income residents can face when property managers fail to maintain safe and livable conditions. The lack of response from management raises concerns about tenant rights and the accountability of apartment complexes to address serious health and safety issues.

The details

Johnson and Henderson say they can hear rats moving through the walls and vents of their apartments, with one image showing a dead rat that was removed from a neighboring unit. The tenants report spending their own money on rodent repellent and pest control in an effort to address the problem themselves. In addition to the rat infestation, Henderson's apartment has been without water for three days and consistent heat since December, forcing the family to rely on portable heaters.

  • Jasmine Johnson has lived in her apartment for nearly a year.
  • The heat in Tamala Henderson's apartment has been unreliable since December 2025.

The players

Jasmine Johnson

A tenant at the Woodlands at Cascade apartment complex who has been dealing with a rat infestation in her unit.

Tamala Henderson

A tenant at the Woodlands at Cascade apartment complex who is experiencing issues with a rat infestation as well as lack of consistent water and heat in her unit.

Woodlands at Cascade

The apartment complex where Johnson and Henderson reside and are reporting the ongoing maintenance and pest control issues.

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What they’re saying

“They're throwing their little pebbles out, they're urinating through the vents, so my kids are inhaling that. Whatever they're doing inside that vent.”

— Jasmine Johnson, Tenant (11alive.com)

“I am pissed off because one thing about it is, my husband—he's been paying the rent on time.”

— Tamala Henderson, Tenant (11alive.com)

What’s next

Code enforcement officials visited the apartment complex on Tuesday to document the reported issues, but it remains unclear what further action will be taken to address the tenants' concerns.

The takeaway

This case highlights the struggles low-income residents can face when property managers fail to uphold their responsibilities, leaving tenants to deal with serious health and safety hazards on their own. It underscores the need for stronger tenant protections and more accountability for apartment complexes to ensure safe and livable conditions.