Georgia Month-to-Month Lease Agreement

Legal Aspects of Month-to-Month Leases in Georgia 

Georgia lease agreements establish the terms and conditions for a tenant to rent a property from a landlord on a month-to-month basis. The agreement specifies the tenant’s responsibility for utilities, services, and other property rights. Once signed, it becomes legally binding until the end of the lease term.

Lease Termination & Renewal

• The lease will renew automatically every month until either party files a written notice for termination. 
• The Tenant in Georgia has to provide a termination notice of 30 days, while the Landlord has to provide at least a 60-day notice to the Tenant.

Rent Increases 

• Georgia doesn’t have rent control laws limiting the amount landlords can charge. However, state law prevents local governments from enacting their rent control measures.
• Landlords in Georgia can increase rent with proper notice at any time.
• In Georgia, landlords cannot increase rent during a lease term. If a written lease is absent or the lease term has expired, landlords must provide a 60-day notice before raising the rent.

Security Deposit

• According to Georgia law, there’s no specific limit on the security deposit a landlord can request from their tenant. However, the landlord should ask for a reasonable amount to motivate the tenant to rent their property.
• You must provide a written notice to your tenant about the location of the escrow account where you’ll place their security deposit in a bank or lending institution in Georgia.
• Alternatively, The landlord can post a surety bond matching the security deposit amount. 

Tenant Rights

• A livable space must have heat, electricity, plumbing, and cleanliness. Air conditioning is optional.
• The tenant should be able to negotiate the rental amount and terms with the landlord before signing the lease agreement.
• The concept of quiet enjoyment pertains to the tenant’s right to privacy and freedom from unwanted intrusion by the landlord during the tenancy period.

Required Disclosures 

As a landlord in Georgia, you have certain obligations to inform your tenants of their rights and terms, even if they’re on a month-to-month agreement. These disclosures must be written in writing and can either be included in the lease or provided as a separate notice. Additionally, to comply with federal law regarding occupancy, a lease agreement in Georgia must consist of specific details.

• Provide information regarding any pre-existing damages, lead-based paint hazards, history of mold, and water damage.
• Ensure that any presence of asbestos or radon is disclosed.
• Landlords must disclose if the rental unit is located in a flood zone or has previous structural damage.