You do not need any special forms however, Atlanta Legal Aid does provide a repair request form for tenants. Put your name, address, and the date on the letter. When you tell your landlord about repair problems or give notice that you are moving out, do so in writing. If you have a written lease, your rent cannot be raised during the term of the lease unless the lease says otherwise. If you do not have a written lease, your landlord cannot raise your rent or ask you to leave without giving you 60 days’ notice. Please consult an attorney before you “repair and deduct”. ![]() However, you may not recover the money you spend if your landlord takes you to court. You can then subtract the cost of the repairs from the next month’s rent. Another solution is to do the repairs yourself - or have someone else do them. ![]() If your landlord does not make the requested repairs within a reasonable amount of time there are some things you can do.įirst, you may sue for damages. Always make repair requests in writing and always keep a copy of any repair request you make. ![]() Georgia law says that a landlord cannot make a tenant make or pay for repairs, unless that tenant, his/her family or guests caused the damage.įor serious repair problems, local housing code departments can inspect for possible violations. Your landlord is responsible for repairs to keep the property in good condition. If so, the landlord must tell you the account number and where the account is kept. Under certain conditions, you are entitled to have your security deposit placed in an escrow account (a special bank account). This covers damages that you, your family or your guests may cause. In most cases, you will have to pay a security deposit. Be sure to get a copy of the signed lease. Read your lease carefully before you sign it. The lease tells the length of your tenancy, renewal conditions, repair procedures, rent due date, etc. This document states all the important information about your tenancy. You also need to know if the application fee can be applied towards your rent if you decide to rent the house/apartment.Ī tenant’s rights and responsibilities are spelled out in the lease. Ask if this fee will be returned to you should your application be denied. Your first cost will probably be application fee. ![]() If possible, do not sign the lease or move in until the landlord completes all Have the landlord sign the list and keep a signed copy for your records. Next, make a list of damages or things that are wrong with the property. If you have questions about whether you are a tenant or a guest, talk to an Atlanta Legal Aid Society lawyer before you are in danger of beingįirst, carefully inspect the entire house or apartment to make sure it is in good condition. Landlord can change the locks with no notice to you.Īnd if you do not pay the rent you owe, the landlord may sell your belongings to pay your bill. If you are legally a “guest”, your landlord does not have to go through any legal procedures to evict you. If you rent a room in a hotel or rooming house, you may legally be a “guest” and not a “tenant”. There are also things you need to know should your landlord try to evict you. For your own protection, there are some things you need to do before you even sign the lease.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |