When Can Georgia Landlords Raise Rent for Pass-Through Costs?

If you rent your home in Georgia, you might have concerns about sudden rent increases or extra charges being added to your monthly payment. Understanding how, when, and why a landlord can raise your rent—particularly due to what's called "pass-through costs"—is crucial. In Georgia, rent changes are not as tightly regulated as in some other states, but there are clear rules landlords must follow.

What Are Pass-Through Costs?

Pass-through costs are expenses landlords incur—like property taxes, major repairs, or utility charges—that they might try to "pass through" to tenants by raising rent or adding fees. Unlike in states with rent control, Georgia does not have set caps on such increases. However, there are still important protections.

Georgia Laws on Rent Increases and Pass-Through Costs

Georgia law does not have state-level rent control or rent stabilization laws. This means landlords can generally raise rent by any amount, as long as they provide advance written notice and follow the lease agreement.

• No state rent control: Landlords are not restricted in how much they can increase rent upon lease renewal or for month-to-month tenants.
• Lease agreement rules: If your rental agreement outlines when and how rent can change, both you and your landlord are bound by it.
• Written notice required: Increases must be given with adequate written notice. Most often, this is at least 30 days for month-to-month tenancies.
• No mid-lease increases: Landlords cannot raise rent amounts during a fixed-term lease unless your lease specifically allows it.

While Georgia law is relatively landlord-friendly, landlords cannot enforce rent increases retroactively or in violation of your lease terms. To learn more about your rights and responsibilities, visit the Georgia Department of Community Affairs Landlord-Tenant Resources page.

Examples of Pass-Through Costs

• Utility increases (if your landlord pays for water, electricity, etc.)
• Increases in property taxes
• Major improvements or repairs not addressed in your original lease

However, unless your lease clearly states that these pass-through costs can be added to your rent, landlords cannot add them during the lease term.

Your Rights and Steps to Take if Faced with a Rent Increase

Having your rent unexpectedly raised can be stressful. Here's what you need to do if your landlord notifies you of a rent increase in Georgia:

• Check your lease: Does it mention pass-through charges or possible rent adjustments? Only what’s in the agreement is enforceable during the lease term.
• Confirm notice period: For month-to-month rentals, at least 30 days’ advance written notice is standard. For fixed leases, increases aren’t allowed until renewal unless specified.
• Compare with local ordinances: While Georgia has no statewide rent control, always check for any unique city or local rules (rare, but possible).
• Document everything: Keep copies of all communications for your records.

Forms and Where to Seek Redress

In Georgia, formal legal claims about rent increases usually go through the civil (Magistrate) court system. There are no dedicated "rent tribunal" forms, but the Magistrate Court of Georgia handles disputes about landlord-tenant issues, including alleged illegal rent increases or evictions.

• Dispossessory Proceeding / Affidavit (Magistrate Court Form):
  Magistrate Court Landlord-Tenant Forms
  When used: Filed by a landlord for eviction; tenants can respond using associated forms if an eviction follows a rent dispute.
  Example: If a landlord files for eviction after a tenant refuses a rent hike that violates the lease, the tenant could use the court’s forms to respond.

Where to file: All such landlord-tenant disputes go to your county’s Magistrate Court. Learn more on the Georgia Courts official site.

Governing Law

Georgia’s primary landlord and tenant law is found in the Georgia Code Title 44, Chapter 7 – Landlord and Tenant[1].

1. Can my landlord raise my rent to cover building repairs or property taxes?
   In Georgia, landlords can generally raise the rent at the end of your lease term or with proper notice for month-to-month tenants—even to cover repairs or tax hikes—but only if allowed by your lease and after giving required notice.
2. How much notice must a landlord give before increasing rent?
   Landlords are typically required to give at least 30 days’ written notice for rent increases in month-to-month rentals. For fixed-term leases, increases aren’t allowed mid-lease unless specified in your agreement.
3. Are there any limits to how much a landlord can increase my rent in Georgia?
   No, Georgia does not have statewide rent control, so there are no state-set limits to rent increases, but local ordinances or lease terms may apply.
4. What should I do if my landlord increases rent illegally?
   First, communicate in writing with your landlord. If unresolved, gather evidence and contact your local Magistrate Court for advice or file a formal complaint using court forms.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Georgia Department of Community Affairs: Landlord-Tenant Resources
• Georgia Legal Aid – Renter Rights and Housing
• Official Georgia Courts Web Portal
• Georgia Landlord-Tenant Act
• Find Your County Magistrate Court

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1. Georgia Code Title 44, Chapter 7 – Landlord and Tenant [2022]
2. Official DCA Landlord-Tenant Resources
3. Georgia Magistrate Courts Directory

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