CASA has organized and empowered tenants to demand adequate, sustainable, and liable housing in our communities. Everyone should have a safe place to live, yet many tenants, especially Black and brown renters, face real challenges securing a stable, habitable and affordable home. CASA has worked intimately with the immigrant community to address the urgent needs of families in rental housing and organize neighbors to build power.
The Fair Housing Act is the federal law that makes it illegal to discriminate in any housing transaction. One cannot discriminate on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability or familial status. The state of Georgia follows federal housing laws.
In Georgia, if a tenant has a disability that requires an accommodation, a request must be submitted. Landlords in Georgia cannot evict a tenant without first going through a court process. During the eviction process, the tenant is allowed to stay in the property until a court decision is made.
If a landlord tries to evict a tenant for not paying rent, the tenant has seven days to pay the rent owed. If the rent is paid within that time period, a landlord cannot evict the tenant. If a tenant is receiving service from a Public Service Commission-regulated electric provider, the service provider must give the tenant five 5 days written notice before turning off the utility. Under Georgia law, landlords have a duty to keep a unit in safe and habitable condition. The landlord must maintain the building structure, keep utilities in working order, and exercise ordinary care to keep the unit safe for tenants.
When requesting a repair to a landlord, Georgia law encourages to have it in writing and signed. It is also encouraged to not stop paying rent if a landlord has not completed a repair. Not paying rent can violate a lease. In Georgia, a security deposit protects a landlord if a tenant moves out of the property owing money or having damaged the unit.
