Atlanta Residential Lease Agreement

A residential lease agreement in Atlanta is a binding document between a landlord and a tenant. This agreement outlines the terms and conditions surrounding the use of a rental property in exchange for payment.

Residential Lease Agreement Requirements in Atlanta

Atlanta has no city-specific residential lease agreement requirements or disclosures. As such, landlords and tenants in Atlanta follow Georgia requirements for lease agreements.

Landlord-Tenant Rights and Regulations in Atlanta

When it comes to landlord-tenant rights, Atlanta landlords should be aware of the following:

Source of Income Discrimination

In 2020, Atlanta City Council passed an ordinance banning source of income discrimination. This ordinance prevents Atlanta landlords from rejecting an application based on the applicant’s source of income—including the use of federal housing vouchers. [1]

Security Deposit Ordinance

Atlanta’s local security deposit ordinance provides more options to renters when it comes to security deposit payments. This ordinance applies to property owners who meet the following criteria:

• Own 10 or more rental units
• Collect a security deposit greater than 60% of one month’s rent

Eligible property owners must provide their tenants with the following options:

• Monthly payments within the first three months of the lease
• Payment using security deposit insurance

Tenants cannot use the above options to secure a rental unit more than 60 days from the start of the lease. It is also important to note that this ordinance does not prevent tenants from paying their security deposit in full upon move-in. [2]

Lawn Maintenance

Atlanta has specific maintenance standards for when it comes to maintaining the lawn. Apart from more standard restrictions, such as no overgrown shrubs or dead vegetation, Atlanta tenants must keep their grass below 12 inches in height. [3]

Optional Lease Agreement Disclosures and Addendums in Atlanta

While not mandatory, landlords can add specific disclosures and addendums to their leases. This helps outline the responsibilities of the tenant and can prevent future liability issues.

Crime and Drug-Free Addendum

Due to Atlanta’s high crime rates, it would be in the landlord’s best interest to include an addendum stating that engaging in criminal activity, including drug-related activity, is prohibited on or near the property.

Pest Control Addendum

With Atlanta’s high rat population, it would be wise for landlords to include a pest control addendum. This agreement should highlight the tenants’ responsibilities related to pest prevention—including reporting any signs of pests to management as soon as possible.

Mold Addendum

Due to the humid climate in Atlanta, landlords may want to include a mold addendum. This will prevent landlords from being liable for future mold-related damage.

Summary of Required Lease Disclosures for the State of Georgia

• Landlord’s Name and Address – Georgia leases must contain the name and address of the landlord or authorized agent.
• Flooding – Georgia landlords must give notice to tenants of prior flooding if the property has flooded at least three times within the past five years.
• Move-In Checklist – Georgia landlords must provide a move-in checklist to inventory existing property damage.
• Lead-Based Paint – It is a federal law in the United States that any home built prior to 1978 must disclose the risks posed by lead-based paint.