An Overview of Landlord-Tenant Law in Georgia
Renting a house or apartment in Georgia is mostly the same as in any other state… until it isn’t. After all, while the federal government has some power, the states wield a lot also when it comes to housing and the law. Every state has some unique aspects to this rental “journey” that people take, whether they are the renter or the one offering a unit to rent. As you go down that route, it’s helpful to get familiar with landlord-tenant law in Georgia to make sure that you know your responsibilities… and the responsibilities of the other side of that relationship.
We interact with these regulations on a daily basis. Our Atlanta property services include every part of that landlord-tenant relationship, from screening tenants to lease agreements to closing inspections. We cover it all; that means knowing the laws that regulate each part of it. Let us explore the different parts of the laws in Georgia that govern that rental journey and touch on a number of the key parts of it that all landlords and tenants should know. In this article, we will cover the following:
- Key Parts of Landlord-Tenant Law in Georgia – First, we will go over some of the basic things that state laws dictate when it comes to renting.
- FAQ – Then we cover a number of questions that are often posed on the topic.
- How BMG Can Help You Navigate the Laws – Finally, we will address how a professional property management company can make a world of difference in this process.
Key Parts of Landlord-Tenant Law in Georgia
Georgia’s landlord-tenant laws serve to balance the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and renters. A written lease is a cornerstone of these laws, clearly outlining terms such as rent amount, due dates, and responsibilities for property maintenance. By establishing these terms upfront, leases help minimize disputes and provide a legal framework if issues arise during the tenancy.
Landlords are obligated to maintain rental properties in habitable conditions, which includes basic utilities like water, heat, and electricity are functional and the property is free from significant health or safety hazards. Prompt responses to repair requests are critical, as tenants rely on landlords to address concerns that impact their quality of life.
While that is the case, tenants have obligations under Georgia law as well. Paying rent on time and adhering to lease terms are fundamental expectations. If tenants fail to meet these responsibilities, landlords can pursue eviction, but only after providing appropriate notice and following legal procedures. Eviction laws are in place to protect both parties.
And then there are security deposits. They are another key element governed by Georgia law and something that regulations address in detail. Landlords must return security deposits within 30 days of the lease’s end, provided there are no damages or unpaid rent. If deductions are necessary, landlords are required to provide an itemized list of charges. These regulations aim to protect tenants while making sure that landlords can recover costs for legitimate issues.
FAQ
The fact is, landlord-tenant law in Georgia comes with a lot of questions. This is understandable. Going over a number of these frequently asked questions will help a lot in covering a lot of the basics.
What should a lease include in Georgia?
A rental lease in Georgia should clearly outline essential terms. That just makes sense, right? So what are the common terms? They include things such as the rent amount, due date, length of the lease, and responsibilities for maintenance. It should also include any rules about pets, parking, or other property-specific conditions. Having these details in writing helps both landlords and tenants avoid confusion. But of course, it’s a good idea for new landlords to vet any documents with a legal professional… since ultimately, a lease is a legal contract.
What qualifies as uninhabitable living conditions in Georgia?
Whether a place is deemed habitable or not is sometimes a gray area. Habitability laws in Georgia outline certain things that are necessary while also leaving some things up to legal professionals. Uninhabitable generally includes the lack of essential utilities like water, heat, or electricity, as well as serious safety hazards such as mold, pest infestations, or structural damage. Landlords are required to address these issues promptly.
How long do landlords have to return security deposits in Georgia?
Some may wonder about some of the basics when it comes to security deposits. The most direct question being: how long does a landlord have to return it. Landlords in Georgia need to return security deposits within 30 days after the lease ends, provided there are no damages or unpaid rent. If deductions are made, landlords are required to give tenants an itemized list of charges.
What are tenants’ primary obligations under Georgia law?
Tenants in Georgia are required to pay rent on time, follow the rules outlined in their lease, and avoid causing damage to the property. That covers most of it. They are also expected to notify the landlord promptly of any repair needs to prevent further issues. When covering landlord-tenant law in Georgia it’s important to know that both sides of the relationship have certain duties and responsibilities.
How BMG Can Help You Navigate the Laws
The bottom line is that landlord-tenant laws are there to protect both sides involved in a rental agreement… and it’s helpful to know them if you’re dealing with them on a regular basis. That is certainly the case for landlords and property managers.
Enlisting your favorite property management group to handle your rental property is a good way to avoid any legal issues regarding landlord-tenant laws. If you’re looking for professional management for your rental properties – and fewer worries about regulations and laws – look no further than Bay Property Management Group. We offer comprehensive rental management services. Contact BMG today to learn about our property services in Atlanta, Texas, Baltimore, Boston, Philadelphia, Virginia, and elsewhere.