ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — Finding a place to live at a price he could afford was difficult for one Albany renter. Now, he says the home he found has come with another problem: sewage in the yard and backups inside.

The Casa Del Sol tenant said he moved from Atlanta and pays $900 a month for the home. About two months into living there, Joseph Hall said, the sewage problems have disrupted his routine and left him looking for answers.

“Finding a place to live was hard because everybody, I mean, to be in a decent area with a decent price is just, it’s, it’s non-existing, I’m starting to believe,” Hall said.

The U.S. Census Bureau estimates median gross rent in Albany was $931 per month for 2020–2024. Gross rent includes contract rent plus tenant-paid utilities and fuel. Currently, Zillow reports an average asking rent in 2026 is $850.

PREVIOUS COVERGAGE: Priced Out: Albany renters feeling the squeeze

Concerns about sewage and repairs

Hall said a pipe had been releasing sewage into the ground near his home for more than a month.

“The smell, the, just disgusting,” he said.

Monday, Nov. 9, Hall a crew installed a new line before his interview with WALB, leaving part of the yard dug up.

He said he remains concerned about the plumbing layout and how long the repair will last. His understanding is that multiple homes are connected to one line.

The tenant also believes the home is shifting. He said the back door will not close properly without being deadbolted. WALB has not independently verified the cause of the issue or whether it is connected to the reported sewage problems.

He said he contacted property management under Roots Management Group and was told bids were being sought. He also said he contacted code enforcement about a month before an inspector visited the day before the interview.

WALB has submitted an open records request to independently confirm the timing or the inspection’s findings.

Illness concerns and added costs

Now, Hall says he is experiencing congestion and nausea.

“I’ve been sick for the past three weeks, like, congested, nauseated, and I’m scheduled to go to the doctor Monday,” he said.

He also described the extra work and expenses he said came with the problem, including taking laundry elsewhere and staying with family because of the smell.

“We’ve had to clean up the bathtub multiple times because it backed up into the bathtub,” he said. “We’ve had to take our laundry out elsewhere, stayed with family a couple times, just because it stink.”

Despite his concerns, he thanked the septic company that had worked at the property.

“Septic Solutions, they’ve been a good help. They’ve come out here. They’ve done a bang-out job,” he said. “I really appreciate them for doing that, though.”

Property response

Roots Management Group said in a statement to WALB on Nov. 12 that it learned of a sewer issue involving a resident-owned home in late September.

The company says it arranged for a contractor after the homeowner did not make the repairs.

Read the Full Statement Below:

“Roots Management Group takes reports involving the resident health, safety, and community infrastructure seriously. Regarding your inquiry into potential sewer issues at Casa Del Sol, community management became aware in late September 2026 of a sewer-related issue involving the sewer line at a resident-owned home. The issue involved a disconnected line that appeared to be discharging onto a neighboring homeowner’s lot. Upon learning of the situation, community staff and management immediately investigated, escalated the matter for review, and sought legal counsel to gain insight into the appropriate next steps since this issue arose from a resident-owned home rather than community-owned infrastructure. Following review and counsel, notice was provided to the homeowner to give them an opportunity to complete the repairs. When it was clear the homeowner would not make the repairs, community management made arrangements with a third-party vendor to ensure the repairs would be completed. Management also made arrangements with the third-party vendor to address related concerns reported by a neighboring resident. Unfortunately, the repairs took longer than expected and delays were primarily attributable to obtaining contractor quotes, scheduling availability, utility locates, and other vendor-related issues. Once approvals and scheduling were finalized, the repairs were set to be completed on or around November 4, 2026. At this time, community management is not aware of any substantiated reports that any residents suffered health issues as a result of this sewer issue. Further, management is not aware of any confirmed or reported foundation damage associated with the issue. Throughout this process, management communicated with affected residents and responded to reported concerns. Additionally, in an effort to improve response times in the future, management has expanded its network of local contractors. Roots Management Group remains committed to maintaining a safe community environment and addressing resident concerns with the urgency and care they deserve, so residents can enjoy safe, quality housing.”

The company also says it communicated with affected residents. But Hall says he wants the problem fixed so he can return to his routine without worrying about conditions at home.

“I just want it to be fixed,” he said. “And when I am home, I like to chill, you know, not have to worry about, am I going to be able to take a shower? You know, I just, I just want it fixed.”

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