Georgia Rental Lease Agreement Template

Section 1 is where landlords can tailor the lease to their specific circumstances, including tenant information, rental prices, and utility details. This section is completed during the lease creation process on TurboTenant’s platform. Designed for simplicity and understanding, the lease starts with a summary table for easy reference, followed by more detailed provisions, including policies on smoking, utilities, and key management.

Notable features of Section 1 include:

• Additional Provisions: Landlords have the flexibility to insert specific rules or local clauses necessary for their property. It is prudent to review these with an attorney to ensure legal compliance.
• Lost Key Policy: Should tenants fail to return keys at the end of their lease, they are held financially responsible for the cost of rekeying.

State-Specific Clauses

Section 2 corresponds with Georgia state law, providing clauses that are written to maintain legal compliance, but our Advanced Editor allows changes to be made with full disclosure that any edits may take you out of full compliance with state and/or local law and consultation with an attorney is advised. Highlighted clauses include:

• Late Fees (Section 2.1): Rent is expected on the 1st of each month, with a late fee of 10% of unpaid rent enforceable if payment isn’t made by 5:00 pm on the 2nd.
• Occupancy Limits and Guests (Section 2.5): The agreement defines who may reside on the property, including tenants and dependents, with guest limitations.
• Notification of Repairs (Section 2.7): Tenants are obligated to pay for repairs resulting from misuse and must promptly report serious property issues.
• Flooding Disclosure (Section 2.15): Landlords must disclose if the property has experienced significant flooding within the past five years.

County Specific Provisions

Here is a list of some counties in Georgia, highlighting unique clauses that may be present due to local regulations:

Fulton County

• Atlanta may have specific ordinances regarding rental inspections and permits.
• Clauses concerning tenant protections and affordable housing requirements.

Gwinnett County

• Local ordinances in Lawrenceville affecting property maintenance and safety codes.
• Regulations for handling and returning security deposits.

Cobb County

• Marietta’s housing codes might necessitate additional lease disclosures.
• Specific requirements for rental property upkeep and tenant rights.

DeKalb County

• Decatur’s and other cities’ regulations on rental property conditions and habitability.
• Clauses related to noise control and waste management.

Chatham County

• Savannah’s historic district regulations could influence lease terms, particularly in maintaining the property’s aesthetic.
• Ordinances on short-term rentals and vacation properties.

Clayton County

• Local housing authority regulations that may affect leasing agreements.
• Rules on landlord-tenant relations in areas like Jonesboro.

Cherokee County

• Woodstock’s local codes on rental property standards and tenant safety.
• Clauses for residential rental licensing and inspections.

Forsyth County

• Cumming’s ordinances on property maintenance and tenant protections.
• Regulations on rental housing in newly developed areas.

Hall County

• Gainesville’s specific requirements for rental properties near Lake Lanier, potentially including environmental stipulations.
• Clauses regarding property inspections and occupancy standards.

Richmond County

• Augusta’s code enforcement policies that may require lease agreement adjustments.
• Tenant protection laws and safety requirements for rental properties.

Landlords in Georgia should ensure they are informed about the specific local ordinances that could impact their lease agreements, in addition to state laws. It is advisable to consult with a legal professional when drafting lease agreements to ensure compliance with both state and county regulations.

General Clauses

The final section outlines clauses standard to lease agreements nationwide, emphasizing best practices for landlords:

• Subletting (Section 3.1): Tenants need written consent from the landlord to sublease the property.
• Property Alterations (Section 3.2): Any changes to the property must be approved by the landlord in writing.
• Follow the Law (Section 3.14): Tenants must adhere to all applicable laws and avoid causing disturbances.

FAQ

What happens if a tenant fails to return their keys?

Tenants are required to pay for the full cost of rekeying if they fail to return all keys after their lease has ended.

What is the allowed late fee in Georgia?

Landlords can charge a late fee of 10% of the unpaid rent amount if rent is not paid by 5:00 pm on the 2nd day of the month.

Are landlords required to disclose flooding incidents in Georgia?

Yes, landlords must disclose whether the property has flooded three or more times within the last five years, as defined by Georgia Code.

What are the rules for security deposit returns in Georgia?

Landlords must inspect the premises within three business days after lease termination and provide a list of damages. Tenants have five business days to review and dispute the list. The security deposit must be returned within 30 days after possession, with a written statement of deductions if any.