In Georgia, there is no state statute that mandates a specific notice period (like 24 or 48 hours) for landlord entry. Instead, the right of access is almost entirely governed by the written lease agreement.
Legal Entry Without Prior Permission
Under Georgia case law and the Georgia Landlord-Tenant Handbook, a landlord can generally only enter without immediate consent in three scenarios:
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True Emergencies: Immediate entry is permitted to prevent substantial damage to the property or to protect life (e.g., fire, gas leak, or flooding).
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Court Order: Entry is permitted if a judge has issued an order allowing it.
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Abandonment: If the tenant has clearly moved out and abandoned the property, the landlord may enter to secure it.
Requirements for Standard Entry
For non-emergencies like repairs, inspections, or showings:
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The Lease Controls: Because Georgia law is silent on notice, the lease agreement is the final authority. If your lease requires 24 hours’ notice, the landlord must provide it. If the lease is silent, the landlord technically needs your permission for each entry.
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Covenant of Quiet Enjoyment: Even without a specific notice statute,
O.C.G.A. § 44-7-1 -
Implied Consent for Repairs: If you submit a request for repairs (
O.C.G.A. § 44-7-13
2026 Legal Updates
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Safe at Home Act (HB 404): While this landmark law focused on a “duty of habitability,” it reinforces that landlords must maintain the property. To meet this duty, landlords have a legitimate business reason to enter for repairs, but they must still respect the privacy terms outlined in your lease.
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Security Deposit Protections: As of January 1, 2026, stricter rules apply to how landlords document damages. This often necessitates a move-out inspection, for which the landlord must coordinate a mutually agreeable time with the tenant.
The information for this answer was found on our Georgia Landlord Tenant Rights answers.