- No rent control: Georgia does not have statewide rent control or rent stabilization laws. Landlords can raise rent by any amount they choose, as long as they comply with notice and anti-discrimination requirements.
- Market-driven pricing: Rent increases are largely dictated by market conditions, not by state-imposed limits.
Notice Requirements
- 60-day written notice: Landlords must provide tenants with at least 60 days’ written notice before any rent increase can take effect, whether you are on a month-to-month lease or your fixed-term lease is ending.
- No mid-lease increases: Rent cannot be increased during a fixed lease term unless the lease specifically allows for it.
- Notice content: The rent increase notice must state the new rent amount and the date it will take effect, giving tenants time to decide whether to stay or move.
Legal Limitations on Rent Increases
- No retaliation or discrimination: Landlords cannot raise rent as retaliation for tenants exercising legal rights (such as requesting repairs or joining a tenant group) or for discriminatory reasons (race, age, gender, religion, disability, etc.).
- Special protections: Recent legislation (HB 938) restricts rent increases for tenants over 62 who primarily rely on Social Security or disability benefits.
Local Rules and Special Cases
- Local ordinances: While the state does not impose rent caps, some local jurisdictions or housing programs may have additional restrictions. Always check with your city or county for any local regulations.
- Mobile homes: Mobile homeowners must also receive 60 days’ notice for rent increases.
Tenant Rights
- Negotiate or move: Tenants can negotiate the increase or choose to move out if they cannot afford the new rent. Proper notice (usually 30 days for month-to-month leases) is required if you plan to vacate.
- Challenge illegal increases: If a rent increase is retaliatory, discriminatory, or not properly noticed, tenants can challenge it through state agencies or in court.
- Security deposits: As of July 2024, security deposits cannot exceed two months’ rent under the “Safe at Home Act”.
Table
| Rule/Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Rent control/cap | None statewide; landlords set rent freely |
| Notice required | 60 days written notice before increase |
| Mid-lease increases | Not allowed unless lease permits |
| Discriminatory/retaliatory hikes | Prohibited by law |
| Special protections | Limits for seniors on Social Security/disability |
| Security deposit cap | 2 months’ rent (as of July 2024) |
What Should Tenants Do?
- Review your lease for specific terms about rent increases.
- If you receive a notice, check that it gives at least 60 days’ warning and is not discriminatory or retaliatory.
- If you believe an increase is illegal, document all communications and contact the Georgia Department of Community Affairs or seek legal advice.
Georgia law gives landlords broad authority to raise rents, but with important notice, anti-discrimination, and anti-retaliation protections for tenants. There is no cap on the amount of a rent increase, but tenants must receive 60 days’ notice, and some special protections apply for seniors and those with disabilities.
Sources
[1] https://www.doorloop.com/laws/georgia-rent-increase-notice
[2] https://rentpost.com/resources/article/landlord-tenant-rights-in-georgia/
[3] https://www.hemlane.com/resources/georgia-rent-control-laws/
[4] https://www.steadily.com/blog/rent-increase-laws-regulations-georgia
[5] https://www.landlordstudio.com/landlord-tenant-laws/georgia-rent-increase-laws