A Georgia rental application helps property owners and landlords evaluate prospective tenants. This document is often the first step in the rental process and ensures finding a financially sound and reliable renter.
Laws
- Application Fee – Non-refundable.
- Fee Limits – No limits.
- Security Deposit – No limits (no statute).
Application Fee
- Applicants typically pay a fee to cover the cost of credit and criminal background checks, regardless of whether the applicant is approved.
- While the fee typically covers the cost of background checks and other administrative expenses, some property owners may apply the fee to a tenant’s first month’s rent.
Fair Housing Protections
- Landlords cannot refuse to sell or rent, or to make a dwelling unavailable after a bona fide offer, based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin.
- Landlords cannot deny or make a dwelling unavailable due to disability of the buyer, renter, someone residing or intending to reside there, or someone associated with them. [1]
Security Deposit Limits
- Georgia doesn’t stipulate a maximum amount you can charge for a rental security deposit. However, it sets a 30-day limit for returning it to the tenant. [2]
- It is common practice to provide a receipt for any fees a tenant pays so that both parties have records of the financial transactions.
Pet Deposits
Landlords can charge pet deposits and fees, prohibiting tenants from keeping certain breeds in their rentals. A pet deposit is non-refundable, and there is no cap on the amount that can be charged.
Sample
