Lease & Landlord-Tenant Laws in Georgia

Georgia Lease & Landlord-Tenant Laws

Georgia Landlords need to know Georgia Landlord Tenant laws when managing their rentals. These Georgia Lease laws govern the relationship between Landlords and Tenants and protect both parties if conflicts arise. In this video, we cover everything you need to know about Tenant and Landlord laws in Georgia, including Owner & Agent Identification, the Move-In Inspection Form, a Flood Disclosure, and a Lead-Based Paint Disclosure & Pamphlet.

The Lease Agreement is the foundation of the Landlord-Tenant relationship. It outlines key terms and rules and is what protects both parties if issues arise. A standard, fixed-term Lease is usually for a one-year (12 months) term that ends at the end of the Lease period. Tenants can terminate a Georgia Month-to-Month Lease with 30 days' notice, and Landlords can terminate month-to-month Leases with 60 days' notice.

Georgia Lease Agreement Laws & Requirements
There are some required disclosures that must be included in Georgia Rental Contracts.

Landlords must provide Tenants with the names of all agents and individuals allowed on the property.

If the Landlord collects a security deposit, the Landlord must provide the Tenant with a move-in inspection form documenting any damage to the property at the time that the Tenant took possession.

If the rental unit has been damaged by flooding at least 3 times in the last 5 years, the Landlord must notify Tenant in writing of the property’s susceptibility to flooding.

Finally, if the rental unit was built before 1978, landlords must provide tenants with a lead-based paint disclosure and lead-based paint pamphlet.

Landlord Tenant Laws Georgia
Now, let’s talk about some key Tenant Landlord laws in Georgia.

Georgia Security Deposit Regulations
In Georgia, there is no limit on the amount a Landlord can charge as a security deposit. However, the amount should be reasonable. The security deposit must be returned to the Tenants within one month of the end of the Tenancy.

Georgia Landlord Entry Laws
There are no state guidelines, but we always recommend that Landlords provide at least 24 hours written notice.

Georgia Late Fee Requirements
Late fees are another important aspect of Georgia Landlord-Tenant laws. Georgia does not have restrictions on the amount a Landlord charges for late fees; however, late fees should be reasonably related to the expenses incurred due to the late payment.

Renters Insurance in Georgia
Georgia Landlords may require Tenants to get renters insurance and can make failure to do so a breach of the Lease Agreement.

Georgia Returned Check Fees
Returned payment fees may not exceed $30 or 5% of the bounced payment, whichever is greater, plus the amount of any fees charged by the financial institution.

Georgia Increase in Rent Laws
Georgia does not impose a limit on how much a Landlord can increase rent. However, the Lease should specify the procedures and notice requirements for rent increases.

Georgia Landlord Responsibilities
Landlords must keep rental units in a habitable condition with all essential services working properly. Tenants should promptly notify Landlords of any necessary repairs, and Landlords must make necessary repairs within a reasonable timeframe.

If a Tenant violates the Lease Agreement or fails to pay rent, Landlords may initiate eviction proceedings. Before doing this, it’s vital to provide Tenants with the required Notice.

While there are lots of different requirements and guidelines, keep in mind that our Georgia Lease Agreement automatically includes all required terms and disclosures, and provides Landlords with State Assist tips that point out important Landlord laws in Georgia.

Before handing over possession of your Georgia Rental Property, always:
- Screen Tenants;
- Have a fully executed state-specific Lease Agreement; and
- Collect the entire security deposit and the first month's rent.

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Disclaimer: This video is solely for education purposes. It is not intended to serve as legal advice. We do not make any warranties about the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of any of this information.