Tenant Rights

If you have a dispute with your landlord, or with a tenant of rental property that you own, the State of Georgia offers a place to go to learn about your rights and responsibilities that the courts of our state enforce.

Although no state agency can intervene in your dispute or compel either party to take action, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA), which oversees housing issues, publishes The Landlord/Tenant Handbook. This publication covers rental property management; lease and rental agreements and their termination or renewal; security deposits; payment of rent; repairs and maintenance; eviction and dispossession; and the state and federal fair housing laws. You can download a copy by going to the DCA website.

DCA also publishes a Fair Housing Brochure in both English and Spanish. If you do not find an answer to your questions in the handbook, you might also refer to LawHelp.org.  Because these brochures are not a substitute for legal counsel, however, you should seek help from a private attorney if you cannot resolve your problem. State Bar of Georgia (404-527-8700 or 800-334-6865) can give you information on locating an attorney or your local Georgia Legal Services Program office.