Georgia Landlord-Tenant Handbook
The Georgia Landlord-Tenant Handbook ispublished by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and it provides a plain-language summary of laws and best practices for both tenants and landlords in the state of Georgia.
🔹 Purpose of the Handbook
The handbook is designed to:
- Help both tenants and landlords understand their legal rights and responsibilities
- Offer guidance on handling common rental situations
- Provide sample forms and references to Georgia statutes
It is not a substitute for legal advice, and serious disputes should be resolved with the help of a legal professional or through the court system.
🔹 Key Topics Covered
1. Lease Agreements
- Can be written or oral
- Written leases are strongly encouraged to avoid disputes
- Should clearly spell out terms such as rent amount, duration, responsibilities, and rules
2. Security Deposits
- Must be held in a separate escrow account or surety bond
- Landlord must provide a move-in/move-out inspection list
- Return of deposit is due within one month of lease termination, minus any lawful deductions
- If the landlord fails to return the deposit or a written itemization of deductions, the tenant may take legal action
3. Landlord Responsibilities
- Keep the unit safe and habitable
- Make necessary repairs in a timely manner
- Comply with housing codes
- Provide essential services (heat, water, electricity, etc.)
4. Tenant Responsibilities
- Pay rent on time
- Keep the unit clean and safe
- Notify the landlord of repair needs
- Follow the terms of the lease
5. Entry to the Property
- Georgia law does not specify a notice period, but 24-hour notice is generally considered reasonable
- Entry should be during reasonable hours, except in emergencies
6. Rent and Fees
- No statewide rent control
- Late fees, rent increases, and grace periods should be clearly stated in the lease
7. Evictions
- Landlords must follow legal procedures: issue written notice and obtain a court order
- Self-help evictions are illegal (e.g., changing locks or shutting off utilities)
- Tenants have the right to contest an eviction in court
8. Repairs and Withholding Rent
- Tenants cannot legally withhold rent for repairs unless authorized by a court
- Tenants may sue for damages if the landlord fails to make essential repairs
🔹 Additional Information
- The handbook includes sample letters for things like giving notice or requesting repairs
- It provides links to legal aid organizations and court resources
- Emphasizes communication and documentation between landlord and tenant
*The PDF version above was downloaded from the following link on 05/28/2025, it is always advised to confirm a newer copy is not available from the actual source. https://dca.georgia.gov/housing-choice-voucher/landlords/georgia-landlord-tenant-handbook
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