A Georgia standard lease agreement outlines the terms and conditions between a landlord and a tenant for renting a residential property. It covers key details such as the names and contact information of the parties, specifics about the rented property, and the duration of the lease.
The document also covers the rental amount, due dates, and any penalties for late payments. It’s crucial for both parties to thoroughly review and understand the contents of the lease agreement before signing it to avoid misunderstandings or disputes in the future.
Considerations on Lease Length
- Typically, lease terms run for about a year. If rent is paid after the expiration of a one-year lease, it implies a one-year renewal of the lease. Any changes to this arrangement must be agreed upon in writing to be legally binding (Allen v. Montgomery, 105 S.E. 33).
- The landlord-tenant relationship is established once the owner of real estate grants another person the right to possess and enjoy the use of the real estate. This applies for a fixed time or at the will of the grantor. Renting real estate for less than five years conveys only the right to possess and enjoy the real estate unless otherwise agreed in the contract (Ga. Code § 44-7-1).
- In the absence of a specified lease duration, the tenancy does not automatically default to a month-to-month or week-to-week basis, but rather, it is considered a tenancy at will (Ga. Code § 44-7-6).
Security Deposit
- Maximum Amount ($): No state-imposed limit
- Returning to Tenant: Within 30 days (§ 44-7-34(a))
Rent Grace Period
There is no rent grace period for paying rent in Georgia.
Landlord Resources
- Landlord-Tenant Laws – Landlord and Tenant (Ga. Code § 44-7).
- Handbook – Georgia Landlord-Tenant Handbook.
