Know Your Rights
Georgia is considered a landlord-friendly state because it doesn't specify any limits regarding security deposits or fees that the landlord can charge the tenant.
According to Georgia landlord-tenant laws and the Federal Fair Housing Act, tenants have the legal right to proper housing, meaning that they must be able to live in a rental unit in good conditions. On the other hand, all tenants in Georgia have the legal right to receive fair treatment from their landlord. Read more about the Georgia Federal Fair Housing Act.
Tenant rights also allow them to ask for repairs if the damage exceeds normal wear and tear. If the landlord fails to provide these repairs in a reasonable amount of time, the tenant may seek legal advice and compensation for the damage.
Here's a list of the responsibilities that every landlord in the Georgia state has to follow:
- Provide a habitable rental unit.
- Comply with security deposit returns and limits.
- Follow Georgia law renting rules.
- Comply with the Anti-Discrimination laws.
When it comes to providing a habitable rental unit, it means that the landlord has to follow their local warranty of habitability. This explains that the property must always be in a safe and habitable condition. Tenants in Georgia are legally allowed to send a written notice if they need a significant repair.
In these cases, landlords must answer and provide help in a reasonable amount of time. If this doesn't happen, Georgia tenants can deduct the repairing costs from the next rent payment.
On the other hand, landlords have the legal right to collect rent payments and security deposits, as well as ensure that the lease terms are properly followed.
To comply with Georgia landlord-tenant laws, the tenant must always follow these guidelines:
- Keep the property in clean conditions.
- Provide small repairs whenever necessary.
- Not disturb neighbors or other tenants.
- Pay rent on time.
- Comply with the rest of the lease terms.
Security Deposits
Landlords in Georgia can file a notice of eviction for their tenant from their rental unit if the following conditions are met:
- Nonpayment of rent.
- Not abandoning the property after the lease ends.
- Breaching the lease terms.
- Damaging the rental unit intentionally.
If the landlord wants to evict it's important to note that Georgia landlord-tenant laws don't mention any rent control laws. Local Georgia laws don't allow rent control in some areas, meaning that a landlord may charge any amount they consider appropriate for their rented apartment. To evict their tenants, they must file a "demand for possession" eviction claim. If the tenant doesn't leave within the specified deadline, the landlord may file a lawsuit with a state or magistrate court. The tenant can prevent going to court if they leave within the specified eviction period.