What Goes in a Georgia Residential Lease Agreement?
Residential lease agreements are valuable documents that shouldn’t be overlooked as a bedrock of the rental industry. For landlords and property owners, they are fundamental in a lot of ways. And for renters, they are incredibly important too. It ultimately is about making sure everyone is on the same page regarding all the small (and sometimes large) parts of the agreement people have when renting a home. And legally, it can vary some from one state to the next. What is in a Georgia residential lease agreement and what should be in it is affected by both federal and state laws.
Our Atlanta property managers work with every part of the residential lease agreement, from their creation – making sure they align with local laws – to their enforcement in various ways. It isn’t surprising that someone would seek out what goes in a Georgie-specific lease agreement since there are some notable differences compared to other states. Let’s dive into this topic and go over a lot of the basics that make this state’s residential agreements unique. In this article we will cover the following:
- Basic Parts of a Georgia Residential Lease Agreement – We will go over a lot of the fundamental parts of such an agreement.
- Sample Georgia Residential Lease Agreements – Then we will touch on a few places you can go to see sample Georgia residential lease agreements online.
- FAQ – We will touch on a few Georgia-specific questions that people may have.
- How BMG Could Help – And finally, we will discuss how professional property management could be a lifesaver.
Basic Parts of a Georgia Residential Lease Agreement
Of course a Georgia residential lease agreement includes certain details that can be expected of any such contract. It typically includes essential details such as the names of the landlord and tenant, the address of the rental property, and the lease term, which specifies the duration of the tenancy. Other basics it would include are the rent amount, due date, and acceptable payment methods.
One expected part of the lease agreement is a security deposit clause. This section details the amount of the security deposit required, the conditions under which it may be withheld, and the process for its return at the end of the lease term. In Georgia, landlords are required to provide a move-in checklist to document the property’s condition at the start of the tenancy, which helps in assessing any damages when the tenant moves out.
The lease agreement also includes maintenance and repair responsibilities. This section specifies the duties of both the landlord and the tenant regarding the upkeep of the property. Typically, the landlord is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity and major systems (such as plumbing and electrical), while the tenant is expected to keep the property clean and report any necessary repairs promptly.
Finally, the agreement covers rules and regulations governing the tenant’s use of the property. This may include restrictions on subletting, guidelines for pet ownership, and policies on noise and conduct. It also should outline the procedures for terminating the lease, including the notice period required from both parties. By clearly defining these rules, the lease agreement helps prevent misunderstandings and disputes.
Sample Georgia Residential Lease Agreements
Getting proper legal advice is needed before using a lease agreement that you plan on using again and again. That said, seeing sample Georgia residential lease agreements can help in knowing what they typically look like… and perhaps starting with one as a first draft. Here are a number of places you can go to find samples online.
- Georgia Rental Lease Agreement Templates | RentalLease.com
- Georgia Lease Agreement | Rocket Lawyer
- Georgia Lease Agreement Templates | Legal Templates
FAQ
Is a grace period required for late rent in Georgia?
Landlords are not required to build in a grace period for late rent in Georgia.
Can landlords charge late rent fees in Georgia?
Landlords can charge late fees. According to Georgia law, there are no limits on late fees that can be charged. They do need to be written in the Georgia residential lease agreement and agreed upon by both parties.
Can tenants end a lease early without penalties in Georgia?
Tenants in Georgia typically can end a lease early and without penalty, but only if certain qualifying conditions exist. Reasons include the tenant entering active military duty, landlord harassment, uninhabitable living conditions, or if the tenant is the victim of domestic or sexual violence (for more, check out OCGA § 44-7).
How BMG Could Help
In the end, putting together a lease agreement in any state with the appropriate knowledge or experience is a big task. Thankfully, landlords do not have to rely on their own expertise to develop the most fundamental document for their rental business. Instead, the opportunity to hire experts in the industry is just a phone call away.
Bay Property Management Group understands the vital role that a strong lease agreement plays in the landlord-tenant relationship. Our team of professional property managers guides owners to make sure that all aspects of their property and financial interests are protected. If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of property services management in Atlanta and elsewhere, contact Bay Property Management Group today.
