Bill > HB708

This bill, known as the Renters' Bill of Rights Act, introduces several key changes to Georgia's landlord-tenant law. First, it allows tenants to make repairs themselves if a landlord fails to respond within five days, with the ability to deduct repair costs from their rent, up to 50% of a single rental payment, by using a licensed professional specified in the lease or chosen by the tenant if no professional is pre-approved. The bill also extends several procedural timelines from seven to 14 days, including the time tenants have to respond to a dispossessory (eviction) summons, the period for tendering rent to avoid eviction, and the waiting period before a writ of possession (eviction order) becomes effective. Additionally, the bill limits landlords to accepting a rent tender (payment to stop eviction) only once per 12-month period. These provisions aim to provide more protections and flexibility for renters by giving them more time to respond to legal notices and more options for addressing maintenance issues. The bill will apply to residential lease agreements entered into or renewed on or after July 1, 2025, allowing time for landlords and tenants to adjust to the new requirements.

Justice

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/71076