New law looks to give renters more protections in Peach State
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - A new law providing greater renter protections went into effect Monday.
The “Safe Home Act” allows renters to hold landlords able for poor living conditions.
The list of new landlord restrictions include:
- Units must be fit for human habitation, such as addressing mold, plumbing issues
- Utilities can’t be cut off due to unpaid rent, including air conditioning
- Limits security deposit to two times the monthly rent
- Three-day notice before an eviction can be filed
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Among new laws taking effect this week across the Peach State is the lifting of charitable contributions to the Georgia foster care tax credit.
Kristin Verrill, attorney with Atlanta Legal Aid, said since the pandemic tenant-landlord cases for up to half of their clients.
“We experience clients where a lot of landlords simply don’t authorize repairs because they are too expensive. They’ll patch a repair, and the problem will continue month after month,” Verrill said.
Verrill said the new law will allow greater self-advocacy among tenants but doesn’t see the need for their services slowing down.
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Verill said there will still be landlords who will try to take advantage.
“I think this is a great first step but I think that Georgia law will need to go a little bit further to provide adequate protection for tenants,” she said.
Atlanta Legal Aid says if a landlord fails to meet those standards, a renter has the right to file a lawsuit.
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