Bill > HB876

This bill amends Georgia's landlord-tenant law to provide residential tenants with new rights regarding property repairs and protections against retaliation. The bill defines a "material defect" as any significant issue affecting the habitability of a rental property, including problems with building codes, plumbing, heating, electrical systems, or provided fixtures. If a landlord fails to repair a material defect within 14 days of written notice, tenants can hire a licensed professional to complete the repair and then reduce their next rental payment by the repair cost, with a maximum reduction of 50% per installment. If repair costs exceed this limit, tenants can continue reducing subsequent rent payments until fully reimbursed. Additionally, the bill grants tenants the right to terminate their lease if a material defect remains unrepaired after 60 days, and it prohibits landlords from taking retaliatory actions such as refusing to renew a lease or terminating a tenant's agreement for exercising these repair and remedy rights. The law will apply to residential rental agreements entered into or renewed on or after July 1, 2025, and provides tenants with a civil right of action if a landlord violates these provisions.

Justice

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/71843