If you’ve been following housing news lately, you’ve probably noticed a worrying trend: evictions are climbing again. Across Georgia and much of the country, eviction filings have returned to — and in some areas exceeded — pre-pandemic levels.
Now add another layer to the mix: the recent federal government shutdown. It’s a one-two punch for rental property owners. Tenants who depend on federal paychecks or housing assistance are facing delays, and that uncertainty often lands squarely on landlords’ shoulders.
Why Evictions Are Rising Again
After a few quiet years following pandemic moratoriums, courts are busy once more. Inflation, higher living costs, and stagnant wages have created real strain on renters. For many, a missed paycheck or unexpected expense is enough to push them into delinquency.
In metro Atlanta, we’ve seen rent delinquencies rise especially in neighborhoods where affordability is already tight but even in the high-end markets. Eviction filings are up not because landlords are less patient, but because tenants simply have fewer options — and owners can’t carry months of unpaid rent.
How the Government Shutdown Plays a Role
When the federal government shuts down, the ripple effect reaches housing faster than most realize. Here’s what happens:
Delayed paychecks for federal workers and contractors can mean late or partial rent payments.
Temporary freezes or slowdowns in Section 8 housing assistance and HUD payments create gaps in income for owners.
Reduced confidence among tenants — when people don’t know when their next check is coming, rent often falls behind first.
This uncertainty hits small landlords hardest. Mortgage payments, taxes, insurance, and repairs don’t pause just because Washington can’t agree on a budget.
Why Landlords Need a Safety Net: ProtectionPlus
At Atlanta Marietta Inc., we believe in protecting your investment from every angle — and that’s exactly what our ProtectionPlus Eviction Program was designed to do.
ProtectionPlus is a specialized insurance coverage tailored for rental-property investors, offering both financial security and peace of mind when things don’t go as planned.
This comprehensive package includes:
Up to 25 weeks of rent-loss coverage — if your tenant stops paying, you’re protected.
$5,000 in eviction coverage (plus $600 for sheriff fees).
$35,000 in coverage for malicious tenant damages
$100,000 for accidental damage caused by fire, water, smoke, or explosion.
$1 million in general liability coverage for third-party claims on your property.
$15,000 in theft or damage due to theft.
Rekeying coverage if a tenant skips or is evicted, and even $5,000 lockbox protection.
For owners participating in the COMPLETE LEVEL, ProtectionPlus is included as a service from us. For CLASSIC LEVEL the cost is just $49 per month, and STANDARD LEVEL is $59. This exceptional program, ProtectionPlus, covers what traditional landlord insurance won’t — from unexpected legal costs to lost rent during eviction. It’s available for the top 3 service levels (with qualifications) and provides true protection when the economy or government decisions cause instability.
How We Help Owners Navigate This Environment
While many landlords are feeling the pressure of rising evictions and uncertain income, we’re focused on stability — protecting your cash flow and your property value. Here’s how:
We monitor tenant payments daily and address late accounts quickly.
We maintain open communication with tenants impacted by shutdowns or income disruptions to avoid unnecessary filings. We try to work with them to help them recover past due rent while still able to make current payments.
We file promptly when needed — but with compassion and compliance, ensuring your rights are protected at every step.
And most importantly, we help owners minimize losses through ProtectionPlus and strong preventative management.
The Courts
Filing for eviction is one of the most difficult and unpleasant parts of being a landlord. When tenants fall behind on rent, it’s rarely intentional — but once they’re late, it becomes extremely difficult for them to catch up. Most renters simply don’t have extra funds set aside for emergencies. No matter their income level, many live paycheck to paycheck, and when one expense goes wrong, rent is usually the first bill to suffer.
For property owners, that’s understandably frustrating. You depend on consistent rent payments to cover mortgages, insurance, and property expenses — yet the eviction process can take several months before resolution. At Atlanta Marietta Inc., we manage that process closely and professionally. We file promptly, track every case, visit the courthouse in person regularly to follow up on documents, attend hearings, mediate with tenants when possible, and always work to obtain the writ of possession as quickly as the courts allow.
Over the years — and increasingly in the current climate — we’ve seen local courts in and around Atlanta become more tenant-sympathetic. Judges are often cautious about displacing tenants and, in some cases, require additional filings or grant extended stays, delaying the process even further. While that can be discouraging for landlords, it’s the environment we operate in — and why having a professional management team that understands the system, timelines, and best legal practices is so essential.
Bottom Line
This combination of higher eviction rates and federal delays is a serious test for landlords — but not an impossible one. With proactive management, strong screening, and the right protection in place, your rental portfolio can stay resilient through economic uncertainty.
If you’re concerned about how the current environment could impact your rentals, or you want to learn more about adding ProtectionPlus to your property, let’s talk.
Visit AtlantaAreaPropertyManagement.com or call Atlanta Marietta Inc. today — we’re here to help.
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