Georgia Lease Agreement Requirements: Key Elements for Renters

Signing a lease in Georgia protects both the renter and the landlord. Knowing exactly what should be included in your lease agreement helps you understand your rights and obligations as a tenant. Here, we explain the essential elements every Georgia lease must have, using plain language and referencing official Georgia law.

Understanding Georgia Lease Agreements

In Georgia, there isn’t a state-mandated lease form, but the law sets out clear minimum requirements for lease agreements (see Georgia landlord-tenant law). A written lease helps avoid disputes and makes your rights enforceable if issues arise.

What Every Georgia Lease Agreement Must Include

• Names and Addresses: Full legal names of the landlord and tenant(s), with the landlord’s (or agent’s) address for service of legal notices.
• Rental Property Address: The specific location and unit number, if applicable.
• Term of the Lease: Whether it’s month-to-month or a fixed period (e.g., one year), with clear start and end dates.
• Rent Details: Amount of rent, when and how it must be paid, where to pay, and accepted payment methods.
• Security Deposit Terms: Amount held, how and when it’s returned, and reasons for making deductions.
• Maintenance and Repairs: Who is responsible for what (often the tenant for minor repairs, landlord for major systems). Reference to property condition reports.
• Signatures: Both parties must sign the agreement for it to become legally binding.

Required Disclosures Under Georgia Law

• Owner and Agent Disclosure: Landlords must provide the name and address of the property owner and anyone authorized to manage the premises (Georgia Code § 44-7-3).
• Flooding Disclosure: If flooding has damaged the property three or more times within five years, this must be disclosed (Georgia Department of Law Consumer Protection).
• Move-In/Move-Out Inspection Lists: If a security deposit is collected, landlords must provide a comprehensive move-in inspection checklist for tenants to review and sign (Georgia Code § 44-7-33).

Common Forms in Georgia Rental Agreements

• Georgia Move-In/Move-Out Inspection Form: Used when a security deposit is collected. Tenants should thoroughly check the property, note damages, and sign this form. This helps prevent unfair deductions when moving out. Find the checklist on the Georgia Consumer Protection Division – Landlord/Tenant page.
• Notice to Terminate Tenancy: No universal form, but requires written notice. For monthly leases, either party must typically give 30 days’ written notice. More details are available at the Georgia Department of Community Affairs – Tenants & Landlords.

Who Handles Rental Disputes in Georgia?

Disputes about rental agreements in Georgia are handled through your local Magistrate Court. This is the official forum for landlord-tenant disputes, including evictions and deposit issues.

Helpful Details for Georgia Renters

• Legislation: The main law governing rentals in Georgia is the Georgia Landlord and Tenant Code (O.C.G.A. Title 44, Chapter 7).
• Official Forms: Use forms and reference information only from government websites such as the Georgia Department of Law Consumer Protection Division.

Making sure all required information and disclosures are in your lease protects your security deposit and strengthens your legal standing as a renter.

FAQ for Georgia Renters

1. What if my landlord doesn’t provide a written lease in Georgia?
   While oral leases are legal in Georgia, it is much safer for renters to have a written agreement so you can prove the terms if there’s a dispute.
2. Can my landlord charge any amount for a security deposit?
   Georgia does not cap security deposit amounts, but the rules for keeping, using, and returning deposits are regulated, especially regarding inspection checklists.
3. Is my landlord required to disclose previous flooding?
   Yes. If the property has flooded three or more times in the last five years, this must be disclosed in writing before you sign the lease.
4. Where do I file a complaint about my landlord in Georgia?
   You can file a complaint with the Georgia Department of Law Consumer Protection Division or resolve disputes through Magistrate Court.
5. Do I have to use a government lease form?
   No state-standard lease exists, but your lease must meet Georgia legal requirements and include all required disclosures under state law.

Key Takeaways for Georgia Renters

• Your lease should list all parties, property address, term, rent, deposit, and signatures.
• Landlords must provide required disclosures, especially about flooding and security deposits.
• Use official forms from Georgia agencies to protect your deposit and rights.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Georgia Consumer Protection Division – Landlord/Tenant: Fair housing and lease information.
• Georgia Department of Community Affairs – Housing Assistance
• Georgia Magistrate Court Directory: Find your local court for disputes.
• File a Complaint with Georgia Department of Law

---

1. See Georgia Landlord and Tenant Code (O.C.G.A. Title 44, Chapter 7)
2. Required disclosures: Georgia Code § 44-7-3
3. Security deposit and inspection: Georgia Code § 44-7-33
4. Complaint process and tenant guidance: Georgia Department of Law Consumer Protection Division

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations