Landlords and tenants need to understand the legal requirements and protections provided to them by the state of Georgia. Unlike other states, there are specific required landlord disclosures and information pertaining to important contract details. Landlord/Tenant law in Atlanta, GA provides different tenant rights from other states. Here is some information you must know about tenant rights and landlord rights in Georgia.
Landlord Authorization
Landlords are required to disclose information to renters in a rental agreement that includes who is authorized to act on their behalf. This law is set to protect renters from being placed in a dangerous situation. A property management company will provide assistance in managing the property, but they will need to be authorized to act in your behalf with the tenant.
Fair Housing
Tenants have the right to receive equal treatment with housing matters. If someone needs financial assistance to purchase a property, they do fall under the fair housing act, in which landlords cannot discriminate, nor take illegal action against the tenant. Some of the illegal things landlords must be mindful of include:
- Lying about the status of a unit to avoid allowing them to rent
- Increasing rent for people based on color, race, religion, familial status
- Posting discriminatory signs
- Dissuading tenants from renting because the landlord doesn’t want them to rent
Fair housing is important to understand, as it could get an un-knowing landlord into trouble quickly.
Security Deposit
In Georgia, there is not a limit on how much a landlord can charge for the initial security deposit. The deposit must be returned to the renter within one month following their move-out date.
Eviction Notification and Process
In Georgia, landlords must provide notice to the renter when they are ready to terminate a tenancy due to breach of contract. Did the tenant fail to pay rent multiple times in the past year? If so, landlords can provide immediate call for eviction, and the tenant must comply.
Landlord Inspections
A landlord does have the right to inspect their property, but there is a procedure they must follow. Landlords need to provide 3-days’ notice to tenants about an inspection. Encourage the renters to stay home so you can do a walk-through inspection together. Inspections give property owners valuable information about the state of their property and what repairs need to be made.
Review the local ordinances of the area to ensure you are meeting those requirements as a property manager. There are health and safety standards, noise standards, and other regulations that a tenant must adhere to. Create a successful relationship with your tenants to retain the good tenants. Focus on providing quick responses and repair problems immediately. Tenants will spread the word to their friends about your property, generating new leads for your company to work on.
Keyrenter Property Management in Atlanta, GA, stays current with the latest legal requirements for property management. Contact our office for more information on how you can understand the legalities of owning and renting out property.