Some states have tight rent control laws, but Georgia doesn’t. However, there are still rules in place to protect tenants from unfair practices. We know that rent hikes are scary, and we want to help.
You can learn about Georgia’s rent increase rules in this guide. We will talk about everything from how much notice your landlord has to give to what you can do if you think your rent increase is unfair.
After reading this, you will know how to stand up for yourself and make sure your owner treats you fairly.
- For how much can a landlord in Georgia raise the rent?
- How Georgia’s Landlord-Tenant Laws Work
- What You Should Do If Your Rent Is Going Up Too Much
- The renters’ guide to Georgia’s rent increase laws is our last word.
How Much Can a Landlord Raise Rent in Georgia?
The state of Georgia does not have any rules about how much a landlord can raise your rent. If you have a lease, on the other hand, your landlord can not raise your rent during the term of the lease unless the agreement directly lets them.
Your owner can raise your rent by any amount they want after your lease is up, as long as they give you enough notice (more on that later).
It is important to note that even though Georgia does not have a state-wide rent control policy, some city governments have their own rent stabilization plans in place.
In Atlanta, landlords must give tenants who have lived in the house for more than 12 months at least 60 days’ notice before raising the rent by more than 5%. That only includes the city of Atlanta, not the whole metro area.
The stock market for homes in Georgia is down 5% year over year, but rent prices rose 16.1% from 2023 to 2024. So, even though the market is slowing down a bit, you should still be ready for your rent to go up when your lease is up for renewal.
Understanding Georgia’s Landlord-Tenant Laws
Do not freak out if you get a notice of a rent rise that you think is unfair or out of your price range. It is helpful to know about Georgia’s rent increase rules as a renter so you can protect yourself.
Your Landlord’s Responsibilities
To begin, your owner is responsible for making sure you have a safe place to live. That means they have to fix things that need fixing and make sure your home meets the rules set by the local government.
You have the right to speak up if they are not doing this.
It is your landlord’s job to keep your home in good shape, so do not be shy about telling them if something is broken. Georgia law says that landlords have to keep their properties in a state where people can live in them.
If your landlord is not doing what they agreed to, you can take action.
Your Obligations as a Renter
Now that you are a renter, you also have some duties. You have to follow the rules in your lease, pay your rent on time every month, and keep the place clean. Just be a good renter, and everyone will be pleased.
Having renters insurance is one way to show your employer that you will be a good one. It not only keeps your things safe in case something bad happens, but it also shows your owner that you are responsible with your stuff.
On top of that, Goodcover lets you get renters insurance that is both cheap and easy.
The Eviction Process Explained
You might be kicked out of your home if you can not pay your rent because of bad luck. But they can not just leave you on the street—they have to follow the law and do things like give you written notice and file paperwork with the court.
Do not freak out if you find yourself in this position. There are things that can help you, like Georgia Legal Aid, which helps low-income people and families get free legal help.
Protection Against Retaliation and Discrimination
Your landlord can not punish you for using your legal rights to protect yourself, like asking for fixes or joining a tenant group. Even worse, they can not treat you differently because of your race, gender, or handicap. That is not cool at all.
Get help from the Georgia Commission on Equal Opportunity if you think your owner is being unfair or is trying to get back at you.
What To Do if You’re Facing an Unreasonable Rent Increase
It can be stressful when your rent goes up, but you do have choices. If you think your rent is going up too much, here’s what you can do:
Review Your Lease Agreement
First, look over your rental deal. Check to see if it lets the rent go up and if your owner has followed the steps that are written in the lease.
You might be able to fight the rent rise if your lease does not say how much it will go up or if your landlord has not told you about it.
Do not be afraid to ask your landlord to explain the rules of the lease and the reason for the rent increase.
Negotiate With Your Landlord
Your landlord might be ready to work with you if you have been a good tenant and paid your rent on time in the past. Try to be open and honest about your money problems with your partner and see if you can find a middle ground.
Another option is to offer to sign a new, longer lease in exchange for a smaller rent increase. Another option is to agree to do some small repairs to make up for the increase.
Keep in mind that your landlord wants to keep good renters, so they might be willing to work with you.
Look for Other Housing Options
If your owner will not give in and you can not pay the higher rent, you might need to look for other places to live in Georgia or somewhere else. Find out what other homes in your area are selling for to get an idea of what the market price should be.
You can also look for homes in close cities or neighborhoods where prices are lower. When making a budget for a new place, do not forget to include the cost of moving and other costs.
And if you need help finding a new home, you might want to work with a good real estate agent or a local housing group.
Consider Legal Action
There may be legal action you can take against your owner if you think they have broken your rights or been dishonest. For instance, you might be able to sue your landlord if they raised your rent as a form of discrimination or revenge.
Start by writing down everything you say to your landlord and getting proof to back up your claim. After that, you might want to talk to a local tenants’ rights group or a housing lawyer about your choices.
Going to court can take a long time and cost a lot of money. So, you should carefully consider your choices to make sure you have good reasons to make a case.
