Source: https://www.landlordology.com/georgia-landlord-tenant-laws/comment-page-11/
Timestamp: 2020-02-17 15:37:17
Document Index: 177891992

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 44', '§ 44', '§ 44', '§ 44', '§ 44', '§ 44', '§ 44', '§ 15']

Written on March 7, 2014 by Lucas Hall, updated on March 13, 2018
Entry Allowed with Notice for Showings: Yes, but the landlord must provide prior notice – 24 hours is recommended (see handbook, p. 13)
Emergency Entry Allowed without Notice: Yes (handbook, pg. 13)
Lockouts Allowed: No (see handbook, pg. 55)
Utility Shut-offs Allowed: No. Landlord is not allowed to discontinue heat, electricity, or water service. These actions are punishable by a fine not to exceed $500. (O.C.G.A. § 44-7-14.1)
Special Tenant Rights & Restrictions: A tenant may not cut or destroy growing trees, remove permanent fixtures, or otherwise injure the property without prior permission. A tenant may use dead or fallen timber for firewood and pasturing cattle. (O.C.G.A. § 44-7-11)
The landlord must keep the rental unit in repair. The landlord is liable for all substantial improvements made to the rental unit with their consent. (O.C.G.A. § 44-7-13)
Having fully parted with possession and the right of possession, the landlord is not responsible to third parties damages resulting from the tenant’s negligent or illegal use of the rental unit. The landlord is responsible for damages caused by defective construction or the failure to keep the rental unit in repair. (O.C.G.A. § 44-7-14)
Name and Addresses: At or before the commencement of a tenancy, and 30 days after any change, the landlord must provide the names and addresses of:
The owner of the rental unit or a person authorized to act for and on behalf of that person; and
The person authorized to manage the premises to the tenant. (O.C.G.A. § 44-7-3)
Destruction of Dwelling: The destruction of a dwelling by fire or the loss of possession by any casualty not caused by the landlord does not release the tenant from the obligation to pay rent. (O.C.G.A. § 44-7-15)
Flooding Disclosure: If any portion of the living space covered by the lease has flooded three times in the last five years, the landlord must disclose this to the applicant before signing a lease. (O.C.G.A. § 44-7-20)
Georgia Small Claims Court Limits: $15,000 (O.C.G.A. § 15-10-2)
Eviction Cases Allowed in Small Claims: Yes (source)
Georgia Small Claims Court (Magistrate Court)
Georgia Local and Voluntary Bars
GeorgiaLegalAid.org – Housing and Landlord-Tenant Information
Low Income Legal Aid:
Atlanta Legal Aid Society – 404-524-5811
Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation – 404-521-0790
Georgia Senior Legal Hotline – 404-657-9915 or toll free 1-888-257-9519
Georgia Legal Services Program – 404-206-5175 or toll free 1-800-498-9469
Georgia Law Center for Homeless – 404-681-068
Atlanta Legal Aid Society, Inc. – Tenant’s Rights (PDF)
Georgia Department of Law-Consumer Protection Unit Landlord Tenant Issues and Booklet
State agencies & regulatory bodies:
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Georgia
Georgia Insurance Division
Georgia Consumer Guide for Homeowners Insurance (PDF)
Consumer Protection – Landlord-Tenant Issues
Georgia Housing Search (Property Listing)
Lead Paint Disclosure (PDF)
Georgia Rental Assistance Program (Section 8 Housing)
Landlord Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
Information for Prospective Landlords (PDF)
Direct Deposit and Check Issuance Information (PDF)
Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Contract (PDF)
HQS Inspection Booklet (PDF)
Landlord Responsibility (PDF)
Lease Special Stipulations (PDF)
Tenancy Addendum (PDF)
Savannah Board of REALTORS®
These videos review some of the most common landlord-tenant laws and issues in Georgia.
537 CommentsLeave a Comment
Roberta Cash
I had my first leak in my kitchen ceilling 6/2/2017.i call the number for sevice that day and there was no emergency number was working,so i had to wait until that monday to write the rent office about the problem and the leak.on 6/12/2017 i wrote another letter to the rent office about mold had started to grow and she had her mainten man come to my apartment and put bleach and spray paint the ceilling where the mold was at but it kept coming back and each time he put more bleach on it.then i had another leak at the same spot and once again he put bleach on it and again spray painted it.i have wrote her about the mold was not go on me because i have asthma and i droped off a document that tell why my apartment couldnt use bug spray .help
Im staying in an apartment that was burglarized twice within 6 months. The first time my apartment was burglarized the assailant came through my balcony window. The only repairs done to my window was a piece of wood screwed into the outside of the window seal. This did not help repair the window, because 6 months later my apartment was burglarized again, and the assailant came through the same broken window.
What legal rights do I have to sue for property stolen, and can I also get back my money for the months that I paid rent leading up to the second burglary? Also, can I legally break my lease?
How often does a landlord have to have a rental property inspected to ensure it is up to code?
Can a landlord unilaterally create a fixed term tenancy for one month after sending the tenant a 30 day notice to vacate letter? Does that fixed term agreement have to be in writing? Does it require a new 30 day (or some other time period) notice to vacate?
Michelle Bolding
I am currently renting an apartment and always paying on time, the property manager informed me that there is a limited of visitors I am allowed to have or I will be charged 200 dollars extra which I already paid just to avoid any conflict, my mom came visit with her dog and the property manager was taken pictures of us stating that I have a dog and have to pay 300 dollars extra, my mom was only there for the weekend! I am constantly being watch and pictures of my usual day to day activities are being taken, do they have the right to take pictures of me as well as keep charging me extra for visitors or my mom and dog to come and visit? I feel like my privacy is being constantly being violated. Please help with any information. Thank you
I do agree your privacy is being invaded, and there is probably some legal issue with what they are doing to you. Typically, they can’t say another person is living there unless the same person has been staying the night a certain amount of nights a month. As for the dog, they could say they don’t allow pets period, but since they wanted to charge you for a pet fee, it shows they do allow pets, and there is usually a grace period, especially if you can prove they were only there for the weekend. I would not have paid them anything extra on top of your normal rent, and if they tried to raise next months rent, I would fight it, even going to small claims court if needed. Good luck.
My prospective landlord (moving to Atlanta area) says he charges $60 for service calls, regardless of the problem or how often/little he is called for something. Even if it is something that was not on us, like the a/c or a leak in the roof, he says he can charge. Being a prior landlord from a different state where you could not legally do this, it makes me question what he is saying. When I told him I thought that was not legal, he stuttered a little and asked what I meant. Anyone know if it is legal for a owner maintained property to charge a service call fee here in Georgia?
I too would like to know more insight about this service fee. My landlord even tried to reference it as a deductible when the contract clearly states its a service fee to come out. Not sure if the landlord knows the definition or are simply hoping I am ignorant to that fact? Thanks.
I moved into an apartment back on June 23rd, only to find out that the AC wasn’t working. I called and called management about the problem. To only have someone come by to say that everything should be working fine. As you all know it’s be 90 plus here in Atlanta. Because I feel they haven’t held up there end of the deal. With providing me with a live able apartment, because of the AC not working inside of the apartment. Do I have a legal right to request to be let out of my lease.
I was wondering was it legal to rent out a residential unit in Gwinnett county without passing a fire inspection in over a year. Is this grounds to break a lease?
We’ve been renting in an apartment complex for almost 4 months now. Laat month they changed management. Seems new management is intent on forcing tenants into breaking their lease (or get themselves evicted). They would not take our rent last month because it was a day late and did not include the late fee. Ended up paying almost $500 extra. this month we had the money on time but their office hours do not work woth our job schedules, they do not have an online payment option, and have bolted down the overnight drop box, making it inaccessible. They never answer the phone to talk about this. The first available time to meet them in person with the money order is a day late, thus more late fees.
if some else rent is posted to my account and the rent office doesn’t notice it until next month am i resonsible
What can I do about my landlord entering the property with no notice? He can when I want there. The only way I found out is that the dog popped on the floor. When I call him, they amited to it. What’s next?
We rent mobile home spaces in a small park. One of our tenants has been late with rent every month since moving in. When we ask for the rent they’ve repeatedly threatened to sue us for harrassment. And they dump trash from their business on their lot. We gave them a 60 day notice of our intent to start the eviction process, but they’ve recently informed us that the wife has been diagnosed with cancer. We don’t want to turn them out of their home if this is true, though they’ve lied so much we can’t be sure it is true. The end of the 60 days is nearing. I’m afraid they will call it harrassment, and sue us, if we don’t follow through with the eviction. I don’t know what to do. Any ideas?
Recently offrd to purchase home been renting for 5 yrs. Land lord refused the offer we made & informed us he accepted an investor offer. Last lease signed 3 years ago. We never signed a month 2 month. He is still asking 4 rent to be paid to him as though he still owns it. Are we still suppose to pay him rent? No correspondence from the new supposedly owners.
Hey my name is D I live in Savannah Georgia I have a quick question can you rent out a place without a stove and a refrigerator
I co-signed a lease for a house with a girlfriend and only stayed there a few times as I lived in another city. We broke up and I left the area. She continued to stay and paid the rent for the year on time. I was never ask to pay a portion of the rent. Now she wants me to pay 12K or she will go to court. Am I responsible for the rent after I moved away?
Nancy Cherubin
I renew my lease last year 11/06/2016 to 11/06/2017. I gave a 30day notice on 10/07/2017, I vacated on 11/06/2017 and know they are charging me $100.00 Nov. Late Fee and $171.00 prorate rent for Nov. I don’t understand why I have to pay if I vacated and gave back the keys on 11/06/2017.
Nancy, it seems to me that your dates show an extra day, i.e. if you started your lease in 11/06/2016, it will end on 11/05/2017, not on 11/06/2017. This is because including 11/06/2016 and going up to 11/05/2017, you will have a full year term. If you go over to 11/06/17 you will have 1 year and one day. This is why I think they are charging you for 1 day.
A tenant notified me this morning that have a plumbing emergency at the house. A repairman came to the property, but he could not finish until tomorrow. The tenant is upset and wants us to pay for a hotel room for tonight. Is the landlord obligated to do this? thanks,
Hi Lucas! I’ve unsuccessfully searched for a (1st time) landlord class in GA. I need it for the NACA program through which I will make a purchase this year. Any idea on where I can find one in the metro Atlanta area? Thank you!
i live in savannah and need to know rules for weekly rental. if a don’t pay for a week does the landlord have to file an eviction against me or can he just lock me out.
My lease is up at the end of February 2018. I am late on paying my rent but the landlord accepted partial payment for half of the rent. I made a promise to pay remaining February plus March but the landlord doesn’t wish to renew the lease. Of the 24 months I have been here I have only been late 5 time (including this time). Now I have 60 days to vacate the property, is this legal? Do I have a recourse?
A landlord can decided to non-renew for any reason.
OK, it is now August 24th, 2018, my lease was up on February 28th, 2018. I currently still do not have a lease but my landlord keeps accepting the lease payments. I have not been late since February 2018 but I do not feel comfortable about not having a lease. My landlord in his last documented communication to me was that he is going up on the lease by $50 a month. To make matters worse the landlord has not spoken to me since February 2018. This is getting really strange. I want to move but my wife wants to stay.
I am selling my home and moving into my rental house since I am a senior 74 years old and need a smaller and stair-free place to live. I want to renovate the rental and currently have a week to week tenant. How much time do I have (under Georgia law) to give him to move out?
Shawna Gentle
After 5 years, my landlord has finally hired someone to fix our bathroom floor and shower. To do so, they’re cutting my water off for the entire weekend. We’re a family of 4 (single mom and 3 small kids). There’s no way we can go 2-3 days without water to my house. Shouldn’t the landlord have to pay for us to stay in a hotel for the weekend?
In Georgia you can charge fees when leasing that are not part of security deposit and it can be nonrefundable. Now, this is situation, single mom goes to see a townhouse. She needs something quickly. The landlord shows her, she not sure because it looks dirty. landlord will ONLY take nonrefundable binder amount of $500 while mom decides and this townhouse is being leased AS-IS. $500 excessive for a binder? Second, nonrefundable $500? Third, renting a place AS-IS? She went back, looked at the place. Roaches were breeding in appliances. She asked for money back.Nope. She was told I NEVER give back binder money. Maybe your standards are too high. Huh? We had a home to rent to her, no deposit due to her loss.Does she have recourse for $500
sohel munna
i am staying in my current apartment for 2 years. the lease was under my friends name and he let us stay. its me, my wife, my two years old daughter and 3 months son. 2 months ago i recieved a lease renewal letter. my friend didnt renew the lease and i applied for it and i asked for a different apartment. he signed the form also. later on i decided to stay in the same apt and told them i will pay month to month. i paid the fees. but there was no paper document done. two days ago i got lease expiring notice and i showed up to the office to remind them i m still under month to month lease after this month. then they told me nothing. but after 30 mins they left me messege its being rented out already. i cant get one in 7 days.whatcanidonow