Bill > HB710

This bill proposes new regulations for rental properties in Georgia, aimed at controlling rent increases and protecting tenants, particularly students and senior citizens. The bill defines various terms like "residential property" (excluding newly constructed buildings and campus housing) and establishes limits on rent increases. Specifically, landlords cannot increase rent during a fixed-term lease, cannot raise rent by more than 3% annually for most tenants, must provide 120 days' notice before any rent increase, and cannot increase rent for students or senior citizens by more than 2% annually. Senior citizens who have rented the same property for over five consecutive years and have an income at or below the federal poverty level can exercise a one-time rental freeze option, allowing them to maintain their current rent for up to five years. The bill also prohibits landlords from terminating or refusing to renew a lease based on a tenant's status as a student or senior citizen. Violations of these provisions would be considered an unfair or deceptive trade practice, and tenants can use non-compliance as an affirmative defense in eviction proceedings. The law would apply to all new rental agreements and renewals entered into after its effective date.

Justice

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/71093