What is the main court for housing disputes in Georgia?

The Magistrate Court of Georgia hears most residential tenancy disputes, including evictions and security deposit issues.

Is there a state-run arbitration program for tenant-landlord issues in Georgia?

No, Georgia does not operate a formal statewide arbitration tribunal for tenants. Disputes are usually resolved via negotiation, mediation, or Magistrate Court.

What form do I use if my landlord files for eviction?

You must file an Answer to a Dispossessory Affidavit within 7 days in Magistrate Court. Forms are available from the Georgia Magistrate Court website.

Are mediation services available for renters in Georgia?

Yes, most county Magistrate Courts offer access to free or low-cost mediation services for tenant-landlord disagreements.

Do I need a lawyer to go to Magistrate Court for a rental dispute?

You do not need an attorney in Magistrate Court, though you can choose to have one.

Georgia Tenant-Landlord Arbitration: Processes & Resources

Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Georgia published June 21, 2025

Facing issues with your landlord in Georgia, such as rent disputes or property maintenance concerns? The state provides accessible ways for renters and landlords to resolve disagreements fairly—without always having to go to court. Understanding Georgia's tenant-landlord arbitration and dispute resolution options can help you protect your rights and find solutions swiftly.

How Tenant-Landlord Disputes Are Handled in Georgia

Georgia does not have a dedicated statewide arbitration or tribunal system solely for residential tenancy matters. Instead, renters and landlords often resolve disputes through:

Direct negotiation (talking with your landlord to resolve issues)
Mediation (using a neutral professional to help both sides reach an agreement)
Small claims court (also known as Magistrate Court, handling disputes up to $15,000)

Many counties offer free or low-cost mediation programs. While arbitration—where a neutral third party makes a binding decision—is less common for residential leases, Georgia law does not prohibit it if both parties agree in writing.

Georgia Magistrate Court: The Main Venue for Dispute Resolution

Most tenant-landlord disputes in Georgia are handled by the Magistrate Court. This local court is accessible for renters and hears cases such as:

Eviction (dispossessory) actions
Security deposit disputes
Unresolved repair/maintenance issues
Disagreements about lease terms or rent increases

There is no special tribunal in Georgia for housing disputes like some other states have, but the Magistrate Court is designed for simplicity and does not require an attorney.

Relevant Forms for Georgia Tenant-Landlord Disputes

Several official forms may be helpful for Georgia renters:

Dispossessory Affidavit (Eviction Complaint) – Used by landlords to begin eviction if they believe a renter should move out. If you receive this, you must file an Answer quickly (usually within 7 days). You can find the form and instructions on the official Magistrate Court website. For example, if you receive an eviction notice, you must file your response using the Answer form to have your side heard.
Dispossessory Answer Form – Use this to tell the court your side of the story in an eviction case. Available on the Georgia Courts Magistrate Court portal. For instance, if you dispute unpaid rent or report you paid, you should fill out and submit this form promptly.
Statement of Claim – If you want to sue your landlord for a return of a security deposit or damages, use this form, found through your local Magistrate Court.

Always check with your county Magistrate Court for the correct forms and procedures, as some local rules may apply.

Arbitration and Mediation Options

While Georgia does not have a compulsory arbitration system for renters, private and court-referred mediation is widely available. Mediation is a voluntary process where a trained, neutral party helps you and your landlord reach a settlement that works for both sides. Courts may refer cases to mediation before going to a hearing.

If both parties agree, you can also include a binding arbitration clause in a lease agreement, but this is rare. Always read your lease carefully, and get legal advice if you are unsure about your rights.

Georgia's Main Tenancy Legislation

The rules for rental agreements and dispute resolution are set by the Georgia Landlord-Tenant Act (O.C.G.A. Title 44, Chapter 7)¹. This law covers everything from security deposits to eviction notices.

If you're not sure how to proceed, consider free legal aid or contacting your local Magistrate Court clerk for guidance. Acting quickly is always in your best interest.

Step-by-Step: Resolving a Renter-Landlord Dispute in Georgia

Here’s a typical process, especially if informal talks do not work:

Try to resolve the issue by directly communicating with your landlord in writing.
If the problem continues, check if your county offers a free mediation program—this can often resolve disagreements quickly and amicably. Visit the official mediation resource page to learn more.
If mediation fails, or the issue is urgent (e.g., eviction), prepare and file the appropriate court form with your county Magistrate Court.
Attend the court or mediation session as scheduled and present your evidence (e.g., copies of your lease, payment records, or photos of needed repairs).

Your local court clerk can typically answer questions about filing and deadlines, but they cannot give legal advice.

FAQs: Georgia Tenant-Landlord Dispute Resolution

What is the main court for housing disputes in Georgia?
The Magistrate Court of Georgia handles most residential rental disputes, including evictions, security deposits, and lease disagreements.
Is there a state-run arbitration program for tenants in Georgia?
No, Georgia does not operate a formal statewide arbitration tribunal for tenants. Disputes are usually resolved through direct negotiation, mediation, or Magistrate Court.
What official forms do I need if my landlord files for eviction?
If you receive a Dispossessory Affidavit, file an Answer in Magistrate Court within 7 days using the required form, available on the official Georgia Magistrate Court website.
Can I get help with mediation in Georgia?
Yes, many county courts offer free or low-cost mediation services. Contact your local Magistrate Court or check their website for details.
Is an attorney required for Magistrate Court?
No, representation by an attorney is optional in Magistrate Court. Many renters present their own cases.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Georgia Renters

Most renter-landlord disputes are resolved through communication, mediation, or Magistrate Court—not formal arbitration.
Familiarize yourself with local court forms and deadlines to protect your rights.
Georgia’s landlord-tenant law is your primary guide—consult it for rules on security deposits, repairs, and eviction.

By understanding your dispute resolution options, you can handle housing issues confidently and avoid unnecessary stress.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Georgia Magistrate Court: Find Your Local Court & Resources
Georgia Legal Aid: Free legal information and help for low-income renters
Georgia Landlord-Tenant Handbook: Official guidance on tenancy rights and responsibilities
Read the Georgia Landlord-Tenant Act (O.C.G.A. Title 44, Chapter 7)
Mediation in Magistrate Court – Georgia Judicial Branch