Free Georgia Lease Agreement Template

What Is a Georgia Lease Agreement?

A Georgia lease agreement is a legally binding agreement between a landlord and a tenant. It explains rental terms such as the rent amount, lease length, security deposit, and repair duties.

This agreement protects both sides by putting the rules in writing. It is backed by Georgia landlord-tenant law (Georgia Code Title 44, Chapter 7). This clearly helps landlords and tenants understand their rights before move-in and lowers the chance of disputes later.

LegalTemplates offers a free Georgia lease agreement template. You can customize the form to follow state law and protect both parties.

Georgia Landlord‑Tenant Laws (At a Glance)

Georgia Landlord-Tenant Laws

All residential lease agreements in Georgia must follow state landlord-tenant laws explaining how deposits, disclosures, and repairs must be handled. These rules are outlined in Georgia Code Title 44, Chapter 7, and the Safe at Home Act (HB 404, 2024). Together, they specify:

• How security deposits are collected and returned
• What disclosures landlords must provide
• Legal considerations for landlords, including repair and habitability responsibilities

Georgia Security Deposit Laws

Georgia has clear rules for how landlords must handle security deposits. These laws are meant to protect both landlords and tenants.

• Maximum Amount: A landlord may not ask for more than two months’ rent as a security deposit (GA Code § 44-7-30.1)
• Escrow or Bond Requirement: If the landlord owns more than 10 units or uses a manager, the deposit must be placed in an escrow account or secured with a surety bond. The tenant must be told in writing where the deposit is kept (GA Code § 44-7-31).
• Move-in Inspection: Landlords must give tenants a move-in checklist of damages. Tenants have five business days after moving in to review the list, add notes, and sign it (GA Code § 44-7-33).
• Deposit Return: The deposit must be returned within 30 days of move-out. In case of deductions, the landlord must provide the tenant with a written itemized list of all the deductions (GA Code § 44-7-34).
• Penalties for Non-compliance: If the landlord fails to follow these rules, they may lose the right to keep any deposit. In bad faith cases, the landlord may owe the tenant up to three times the deposit amount, plus legal fees (GA Code § 44-7-35).

Georgia Rent Payment Rules

In Georgia, rent payments follow specific rules that determine when they are due and what happens if they are late.

• Due Date: Rent is due at the beginning of each rental period, unless the lease says otherwise (GA Code § 44-7-6).

• Rent Control: Georgia has no rent control law, so landlords can charge any amount of rent.

• Late Fees and Grade Periods: There is no required grace period in Georgia. Landlords may begin eviction if rent is late, although under the Safe at Home Act (HB 404, 2024), tenants get three business days to catch up on missed rent before a case can be filed in court. While Georgia does not cap late fees, bounced check fees are limited to $30 or 5% of the check’s value, whichever is greater (GA Code § 13-6-15).

• Withholding Rent: Tenants may not withhold rent if the landlord fails to make repairs. Instead, Georgia allows tenants to hire a professional and deduct the repair cost from the next rent payment if the landlord does not act within a reasonable time.

Landlord Entry Laws in Georgia

• Notice Requirements: Georgia law does not require landlords to give notice before entering a rental unit. However, the Georgia Landlord-Tenant Handbook recommends giving tenants a reasonable notice, such as 24 hours, before entering for non-emergency reasons.
• Keys, Locks, and Security: State law does not set rules for keys, locks, or security measures. These details should be addressed in the lease agreement.

Georgia Property Repair and Habitability Laws

• Landlord’s Responsibilities: Under Georgia Law, landlords must keep rental homes safe and habitable and ensure that the property has basic services like water, heating, and electricity (GA Code § 44-7-13). According the the Safe at Home Act (HB 404, 2024), it is a legal requirement to ensure that all rental properties are fit for human habitation.

• Tenant Responsibilities: Tenants must keep the rental reasonably clean, make minor repairs such as changing light bulbs, and follow lease terms.

• Abandonment: If tenants move out early, they are still responsible for paying rent, since landlords in Georgia are not required to re-rent the unit. However, the tenant may end a lease without penalty in exceptional cases, such as receiving military orders or having a court-issued protective order (GA Code § 44-7-22, GA Code § 44-7-23)

Georgia Lease Agreements By Type

Georgia lease agreements come in different formats to fit specific rental situations. The six types below cover common arrangements for residential and commercial properties. You can customize each form to stay compliant with Georgia law.

Georgia Standard Lease Agreement

Enables landlords to legally bind a tenant when renting their residential property.

Georgia Month-to-Month Rental Agreement

Automatically renews each month and provides the option for either party to terminate with a specified notice period.

Georgia Commercial Lease Agreement

Outlines the terms and conditions of renting commercial property.

Georgia Room Rental Agreement

Details the rules and responsibilities for individuals sharing a living space.

Georgia Sublease Agreement

Ensures the tenant remains responsible for the lease with the landlord while assuming the role of the sublandlord.

Georgia Rent-to-Own Lease Agreement

Allows tenants to carefully consider their homeownership goals without immediate financial pressure.

Required Lease Disclosures in Georgia

Landlords in Georgia must give tenants certain written disclosures before or when signing a lease. These rules help renters understand who manages the property, where deposits are kept, and whether the property has specific risks.

Identification of Landlord or Agent

Landlords must provide the names and addresses of the property owners or the owner’s authorized agent. This ensures that the tenant knows who is responsible for managing the property and receiving any legal notices (GA Code § 44-7-3 ). 

Security Deposit Notice

If a security deposit is collected, landlords must:

• Provide an itemized list of existing damages at move-in.
• Disclose the location of the escrow account or surety bond holding the deposit.

This protects tenants from being charged for pre-existing damage and ensures transparency in handling deposits (GA Code § 44-7-34).

Lead-Based Paint Disclosure

Federal law requires landlords to disclose lead-based paint hazards for rental properties built before 1978 and give tenants the EPA-approved pamphlet on lead safety (42 US Code § 4852d).

Flood Hazard Disclosure

Landlords must inform tenants if the property has flooded within the past five years. This helps renters understand the potential risks associated with the property before signing the lease (GA Code § 44-7-20).

Fire Safety and Protection Addendum

Landlords must provide a written fire safety disclosure for residential buildings that are three or more stories tall. This disclosure must include information on fire exits, alarms, and other safety features (GA Code § 25-2-13).

Sample Georgia Lease Agreement

Use a Georgia lease agreement template to set rental terms between a landlord and tenant and ensure compliance with state law. Complete our questionnaire and download your customized lease form in PDF and Word.