A Guide to Georgia Landlord-Tenant Laws Code 44-7: The Landlord-Tenant Relationship
Knowing your local landlord-tenant laws is important to a lot of people in the thick of it on a regular basis. You might be a landlord, in which case you certainly need to be in the know. If you’re a renter and you occasionally have issues or dilemmas with your rentals, knowing the laws isn’t a bad thing either. If you live in Georgia, being familiar with Georgia landlord-tenant laws Code 44-7 is at the top of this list, since it is the part of the law that is specifically about the landlord-tenant relationship. It goes over so much of it, laying the foundations.
When we provide our Atlanta property management services, knowing these local laws is incredibly important. You can’t just fumble through the process of property management. You need to know what the laws say about any number of things that come up on a daily basis. Here we will explore a lot of the basics that Georgia law says regarding the landlord-tenant relationship and experience.
Table of Contents
- What is Georgia Landlord-Tenant Laws Code 44-7
- Overview of Implications for Landlords and Tenants
- What Can Property Management Do For You?
What is Georgia Landlord-Tenant Laws Code 44-7
First, when it comes to Georgia landlord-tenant laws Code 44-7 covers a lot of general provisions. This includes a section that defines the landlord-tenant relationship, including the creation of tenancy agreements and the rights and obligations of both parties. For example, it specifies that a tenancy at will requires 60 days notice from the landlord or 30 days notice from the tenant to terminate.
Then there is the section about Georgia security deposit laws. There are proper ways to receive and manage security deposits. Georgia law mandates that landlords give renters a comprehensive list of existing damages before accepting a security deposit. This list must be signed by both parties and serves as evidence of the property’s condition at the start of the tenancy. Landlords are also required to place security deposits in an escrow account and let the tenants know the details of the account.
Next, there is what is called dispossessory proceedings… which means the legal process for evicting a tenant. It includes the grounds for eviction and the necessary court procedures that landlords need to take. Landlords can’t just evict renters without going through a formal process. That makes sense, right?
Finally, there is what can happen as a result of this eviction process, and that is what is called a distress warrant. The section that deals with that covers the landlord’s right to claim a tenant’s property for unpaid rent. It details the circumstances under which such actions are permissible and the procedures to be followed.
Overview of Implications for Landlords and Tenants
Now it might be helpful to go over a number of the real-world implications of these laws. The Georgia landlord-tenant laws Code 44-7 involves a number of sections that both sides of the relationship will find influences their situation at some point. Here are some key things to keep in mind.
Ending a Month-to-Month Rental Requires Proper Notice
Georgia law makes it clear that tenancies at will (month-to-month leases) don’t just end without warning. If a landlord wants to end the agreement, they need to give the tenant 60 days’ written notice. If a tenant wants to leave, they only need to provide 30 days notice. This gives both parties time to adjust and make arrangements, but it also means landlords can’t just ask a tenant to leave anytime they want without notice.
Security Deposits Must Be Handled Carefully
Landlords in Georgia need to put security deposits into a separate escrow account and notify tenants about where the money is being held. That is outlined in Georgia Landlord-Tenant Laws Code 44-7. If you’re a landlord, you should have a set system for dealing with security deposits so that you know that you’re continually following what is set out in Georgia landlord-tenant laws, and specifically Code 44-7 (which spells this out). Before collecting the deposit, landlords should also provide a list of existing damages in the unit, signed by both the landlord and tenant. At the end of the lease, any deductions for damages should be documented and shared with the tenant.
Evictions Should Follow the Legal Process
If a tenant stops paying rent or violates their lease, a landlord can’t just lock them out — they have to go through the correct Georgia eviction process. In this state, it starts with a formal eviction notice, followed by filing a case in court if the tenant doesn’t leave.
Landlords Can’t Seize a Tenant’s Property for Unpaid Rent Without a Court Order
Georgia has a law regarding distress warrants, which means a landlord cannot just take a tenant’s belongings if they fall behind on rent. If a landlord wants to claim unpaid rent through the tenant’s property, they have to go through a court process first. This prevents landlords from wrongfully taking tenant property and ensures due process is followed.
Repairs and Habitability Standards Are Not Strictly Enforced
Unlike some states with strict habitability laws, Georgia does not require landlords to make repairs unless the lease explicitly states that they must. That means tenants should carefully review their lease agreements to see what is and isn’t covered. If an issue arises, a tenant may have to negotiate with the landlord or take legal action if the unit becomes unlivable. This makes clear lease terms even more important in Georgia than in states with stronger tenant protections.
What Can Property Management Do For You?
The bottom line is that landlord-tenant laws are in place to protect both parties involved in a rental agreement. But also, there is a lot to look over and understand. Landlord-tenant laws change frequently, and keeping up with them can be a struggle. Enlisting a professional property management company to handle your rental property is a safe way to avoid any legal issues regarding landlord-tenant laws.
If you’re looking for top-notch management for your rental properties, look no further than Bay Property Management Group. We offer comprehensive rental management services, from maintenance, tenant screening, rent collection, and more. Contact BMG today to learn about our property management services in Atlanta, Boston, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Northern Virginia, Texas, and elsewhere.
