Georgia Residential Lease Agreement

Overview: This Georgia Residential Lease Agreement is appropriate when leasing a house, duplex, apartment, or condominium. It incorporates the most recent changes to the state's law governing residential tenancies and is tailored to comply with current Georgia law. (See O.C.G.A. §§ 44-7-1 et seq.)

Security Deposit: Georgia has strict requirements for landlords concerning security deposits. The landlord's failure to comply with these requirements results in a complete "forfeiture of all the landlord's rights to withhold any portion of the security deposit or to bring an action against the tenant for damages to the premises." In addition, the landlord may be held liable for three (3) times the amount of the deposit withheld plus attorney's fees. (See O.C.G.A. § 44-7-35.) Specifically, Georgia law requires that the landlord:

(1)  deposit in an escrow account the funds received from the tenant as the security deposit, in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 44-7-31, or post a surety bond in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 44-7-32; and
(2)  provide the tenant with initial and final comprehensive lists of any existing damage, in compliance with O.C.G.A. § 44-7-33(a) and (b), and do so within the timeframes required. Landlords, other than those who own ten or fewer rental units, unless those units are managed by an outside party (e.g., a property management company), must supply tenants with these damage lists.

This rental agreement, shown below, provides ample space for such damage lists. If the premises require a more robust worksheet, please use our Rental Property Inspection Checklist.

GEORGIA RESIDENTIAL LEASE AGREEMENT
(LEASE FOR TERM OR MONTH-TO-MONTH)

            THIS LEASE AGREEMENT (hereinafter referred to as the "Agreement") made and entered into this ____________ day of ____________________________, 20____, by and between ________________________________________________________ (hereinafter referred to as "Landlord") and _____________________________________________________________________ (hereinafter referred to as "Tenant").  

W I T N E S S E T H :

            WHEREAS, Landlord is the fee owner of certain real property being, lying and situated in _______________ County, Georgia, such real property having a street address of ________________________________________________________ (hereinafter referred to as the "Premises").

            WHEREAS, Landlord desires to lease the Premises to Tenant upon the terms and conditions as contained herein; and        

            WHEREAS, Tenant desires to lease the Premises from Landlord on the terms and conditions as contained herein;                 

            NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the covenants and obligations contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:                 

1. TERM.  This Agreement shall commence on ________________________ ("Commencement Date"). [check either A or B]:
   
   ____ A. Lease for Term: This Agreement shall continue as a lease for term. The termination date shall be on (date) ___________________ at 11:59 PM. Upon termination date, Tenant shall be required to vacate the Premises unless one of the following circumstances occur: (i) Landlord and Tenant formally extend this Agreement in writing or create and execute a new, written, and signed agreement; (ii) local rent control law mandates extension of the tenancy; or (iii) Landlord willingly accepts new Rent from Tenant, which does not constitute past due Rent. In the event that Landlord accepts from Tenant new rent, a month-to-month tenancy shall be created. Either party may terminate this month-to-month tenancy by following the procedures specified in paragraph 1B. Rent shall continue at the rate specified in this Agreement, or as allowed by law. All other terms and conditions as outlined in this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
   
   ____ B. Month-to-Month: This Agreement shall continue as a month-to-month tenancy. If at any time Tenant desires to terminate the tenancy, Tenant may do so by providing to Landlord written notice of intention to terminate. Such notice to terminate must be provided to Landlord at least 30 days prior to the desired date of termination of the tenancy. If at any time Landlord desires to terminate the tenancy, Landlord may do so by providing to Tenant such written notice of intention to terminate at least 30 days prior to the desired date of termination of the tenancy. Notices to terminate may be given on any calendar day, irrespective of Commencement Date.

2. RENT.  Under the terms of this Agreement, "Rent" shall consist of all monetary obligations owed to Landlord by Tenant in accordance with this Agreement. However, the Damage Deposit shall not be considered Rent. Tenant shall pay to Landlord _________________________________________________________ DOLLARS ($______________) per month as Rent for the Term of the Agreement. Due date for Rent payment shall be the 1st day of each calendar month and shall be considered advance payment for that month. If not remitted on the 1st, Rent shall be considered overdue and delinquent on the 2nd day of each calendar month. In the event that the Commencement Date is not the 1st of the calendar month, Rent payment remitted on the Commencement Date shall be prorated based on a 30-day period.
   
   Acceptable forms of payment of Rent to Landlord shall be [check all that apply]: ____ personal check, ____ money order, ____ cashier's check, or ____ other ________________________________________. Payment shall be made to Landlord under the following name and address: _________________________________________________________. In the event that any payment by Tenant is returned for insufficient funds ("NSF") or if Tenant stops payment, Landlord may require in writing that Tenant pay Rent in cash for three months, and that all future Rent payments shall be remitted by Tenant to Landlord by money order or cashier's check.

3. DAMAGE DEPOSIT.  Upon the due execution of this Agreement, Tenant shall deposit with Landlord the sum of ______________________________________________________________ DOLLARS ($________) receipt of which is hereby acknowledged by Landlord, as security for any damage caused to the Premises during the term hereof.  Such deposit shall be returned to Tenant, without interest, and less any set off for damages to the Premises upon the termination of this Agreement.
   
   In accordance with O.C.G.A. § 44-7-31, Landlords, other than those who own ten or fewer rental units, unless those units are managed by an outside party, must either (a) place the deposit in an escrow account in a state or federally-regulated depository and inform the tenant of the location of this account, or (b) post a security bond in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 44-7-32 securing all tenants' deposits with the clerk of the superior court in the county in which the Premises are located. To the extent that Landlord either (i) owns more than ten units, or (ii) owns less than ten units but does not self-manage, and Landlord elects to place the deposit in an escrow account, Landlord hereby gives notice that Tenant’s deposit is in an account in the following Georgia institution: _____________________________________________.

4. USE OF PREMISES.  The Premises shall be used and occupied by Tenant and Tenant's immediate family, consisting of ___________________________________________________________, exclusively, as a private single family dwelling, and no part of the Premises shall be used at any time during the term of this Agreement by Tenant for the purpose of carrying on any business, profession, or trade of any kind, or for any purpose other than as a private single family dwelling.  Tenant shall not allow any other person, other than Tenant's immediate family or transient relatives and friends who are guests of Tenant, to use or occupy the Premises without first obtaining Landlord's written consent to such use.   Tenant shall comply with any and all laws, ordinances, rules and orders of any and all governmental or quasi-governmental authorities affecting the cleanliness, use, occupancy and preservation of the Premises.

5. CONDITION OF PREMISES.  In accordance with O.C.G.A. § 44-7-33, landlords, other than those who own ten or fewer rental units, unless those units are managed by an outside party (e.g., a property management company), must supply tenants with a written list of preexisting damage. To the extent that Landlord either (i) owns more than ten units, or (ii) owns fewer than ten units but does not self-manage, below is a comprehensive list (hereinafter referred to as the "List") of any existing damage to the Premises. Tenant has inspected the Premises and acknowledges the List's accuracy. In the event Tenant refuses to initial the List, Tenant shall state specifically in writing the items on the List to which Tenant disagrees and shall initial such statement of dissent. Additionally, in the event that the Premises have been flooded three or more times within the past five years, per O.C.G.A. § 44-7-20, Landlord shall disclose each such occurrence. Tenant stipulates, represents and warrants that Tenant has examined the Premises, and that they are at the time of this Lease in good order, repair, and in a safe, clean and tenantable condition.
   
   [Initial:] Landlord: ______, ______ Tenants: ______, ______, ______, ______
   
   ____________________________________________________________
   ____________________________________________________________
   ____________________________________________________________
   ____________________________________________________________
   
   

6. ASSIGNMENT AND SUB-LETTING.  Tenant shall not assign this Agreement, or sub-let or grant any license to use the Premises or any part thereof without the prior written consent of Landlord.  A consent by Landlord to one such assignment, sub-letting or license shall not be deemed to be a consent to any subsequent assignment, sub-letting or license.  An assignment, sub-letting or license without the prior written consent of Landlord or an assignment or sub-letting by operation of law shall be absolutely null and void and shall, at Landlord's option, terminate this Agreement.

7. ALTERATIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS.  Tenant shall make no alterations to the buildings or improvements on the Premises or construct any building or make any other improvements on the Premises without the prior written consent of Landlord.  Any and all alterations, changes, and/or improvements built, constructed or placed on the Premises by Tenant shall, unless otherwise provided by written agreement between Landlord and Tenant, be and become the property of Landlord and remain on the Premises at the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement.

8. NON-DELIVERY OF POSSESSION.  In the event Landlord cannot deliver possession of the Premises to Tenant upon the commencement of the Lease term, through no fault of Landlord or its agents, then Landlord or its agents shall have no liability, but the rental herein provided shall abate until possession is given.  Landlord or its agents shall have thirty (30) days in which to give possession, and if possession is tendered within such time, Tenant agrees to accept the demised Premises and pay the rental herein provided from that date.  In the event possession cannot be delivered within such time, through no fault of Landlord or its agents, then this Agreement and all rights hereunder shall terminate.

9. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS.  Tenant shall not keep on the Premises any item of a dangerous, flammable or explosive character that might unreasonably increase the danger of fire or explosion on the Premises or that might be considered hazardous or extra hazardous by any responsible insurance company. 

10. UTILITIES.  Tenant shall be responsible for arranging for and paying for all utility services required on the Premises. 

11. MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR; RULES.  Tenant will, at its sole expense, keep and maintain the Premises and appurtenances in good and sanitary condition and repair during the term of this Agreement and any renewal thereof.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Tenant shall: 

(a)     Not obstruct the driveways, sidewalks, courts, entry ways, stairs and/or halls, which shall be used for the purposes of ingress and egress only;

(b)    Keep all windows, glass, window coverings, doors, locks and hardware in good, clean order and repair;

(c)     Not obstruct or cover the windows or doors;

(d)    Not leave windows or doors in an open position during any inclement weather; 

(e)     Not hang any laundry, clothing, sheets, etc.  from any window, rail, porch or balcony nor air or dry any of same within any yard area or space;

(f)      Not cause or permit any locks or hooks to be placed upon any door or window without the prior written consent of Landlord;

(g)    Keep all air conditioning filters clean and free from dirt;

(h)    Keep all lavatories, sinks, toilets, and all other water and plumbing apparatus in good order and repair and shall use same only for the purposes for which they were constructed.  Tenant shall not allow any sweepings, rubbish, sand, rags, ashes or other substances to be thrown or deposited therein.  Any damage to any such apparatus and the cost of clearing stopped plumbing resulting from misuse shall be borne by Tenant;

(i)      And Tenant's family and guests shall at all times maintain order in the Premises and at all places on the Premises, and shall not make or permit any loud or improper noises, or otherwise disturb other residents;

(j)      Keep all radios, television sets, stereos, phonographs, etc., turned down to a level of sound that does not annoy or interfere with other residents;

(k)     Deposit all trash, garbage, rubbish or refuse in the locations provided therefor and shall not allow any trash, garbage, rubbish or refuse to be deposited or permitted to stand on the exterior of any building or within the common elements;

(l)      Abide by and be bound by any and all rules and regulations affecting the Premises or the common area appurtenant thereto which may be adopted or promulgated by the Condominium or Homeowners' Association having control over them.  

12. DAMAGE TO PREMISES.  In the event the Premises are destroyed or rendered wholly uninhabitable by fire, storm, earthquake, or other casualty not caused by the negligence of Tenant, this Agreement shall terminate from such time except for the purpose of enforcing rights that may have then accrued hereunder.  The rental provided for herein shall then be accounted for by and between Landlord and Tenant up to the time of such injury or destruction of the Premises, Tenant paying rentals up to such date and Landlord refunding rentals collected beyond such date.  Should a portion of the Premises thereby be rendered uninhabitable, the Landlord shall have the option of either repairing such injured or damaged portion or terminating this Lease.  In the event that Landlord exercises its right to repair such uninhabitable portion, the rental shall abate in the proportion that the injured parts bears to the whole Premises, and such part so injured shall be restored by Landlord as speedily as practicable, after which the full rent shall recommence and the Agreement continue according to its terms.

13. INSPECTION OF PREMISES.  Landlord and Landlord's agents shall have the right at all reasonable times during the term of this Agreement and any renewal thereof to enter the Premises for the purpose of inspecting the Premises and all buildings and improvements thereon.  And for the purposes of making any repairs, additions or alterations as may be deemed appropriate by Landlord for the preservation of the Premises or the building.  Landlord and its agents shall further have the right to exhibit the Premises and to display the usual "for sale", "for rent" or "vacancy" signs on the Premises at any time within forty-five (45) days before the expiration of this Lease.   The right of entry shall likewise exist for the purpose of removing placards, signs, fixtures, alterations or additions, that do not conform to this Agreement or to any restrictions, rules or regulations affecting the Premises.

14. SUBORDINATION OF LEASE.  This Agreement and Tenant's interest hereunder are and shall be subordinate, junior and inferior to any and all mortgages, liens or encumbrances now or hereafter placed on the Premises by Landlord, all advances made under any such mortgages, liens or encumbrances (including, but not limited to, future advances), the interest payable on such mortgages, liens or encumbrances and any and all renewals, extensions or modifications of such mortgages, liens or encumbrances. 

15. TENANT'S HOLD OVER.  If Tenant remains in possession of the Premises with the consent of Landlord after the natural expiration of this Agreement, a new tenancy from month-to-month shall be created between Landlord and Tenant which shall be subject to all of the terms and conditions hereof except that rent shall then be due and owing at ______________________________________________________________ DOLLARS ($___________) per month and except that such tenancy shall be terminable upon thirty (30) days written notice served by either party.

16. SURRENDER OF PREMISES.  Upon the expiration of the term hereof, Tenant shall surrender the Premises in as good a state and condition as they were at the commencement of this  Agreement, reasonable use and wear and tear thereof and damages by the elements excepted.              

17. ANIMALS.  Tenant shall be entitled to keep no more than __________ (____) domestic dogs, cats or birds; however, at such time as Tenant shall actually keep any such animal on the Premises, Tenant shall pay to Landlord a pet deposit of ______________________________________________________________ DOLLARS ($_________), ______________________________________________________________ DOLLARS ($_________) of which shall be non-refundable and shall be used upon the termination or expiration of this Agreement for the purposes of cleaning the carpets of the building.

18. QUIET ENJOYMENT.  Tenant, upon payment of all of the sums referred to herein as being payable by Tenant and Tenant's performance of all Tenant's agreements contained herein and Tenant's observance of all rules and regulations, shall and may peacefully and quietly have, hold and enjoy said Premises for the term hereof. 

19. INDEMNIFICATION.  Landlord shall not be liable for any damage or injury of or to the Tenant, Tenant's family, guests, invitees, agents or employees or to any person entering the Premises or the building of which the Premises are a part or to goods or equipment, or in the structure or equipment of the structure of which the Premises are a part, and Tenant hereby agrees to indemnify, defend and hold Landlord harmless from any and all claims or assertions of every kind and nature. 

20. DEFAULT.  If Landlord determines that Tenant is in default of this Agreement, including but not limited to the failure to pay rent when due, as authorized under O.C.G.A. § 44-7-50, Landlord may immediately demand possession of the Premises. In such event, Landlord shall provide Tenant with at least one (1) day written Notice to Vacate. Landlord may provide such notice by serving it personally on Tenant, or by leaving the same at the principal building on the Premises, or by posting the same conspicuously on the leased Premises. In addition, all unpaid rents payable during the remainder of this Agreement or any renewal period shall be accelerated without notice or demand. Tenant shall remain fully liable to the Landlord for (a) any lost rent and any other financial obligation under this Agreement; (b) Landlord's cost of reletting the Premises including but not limited to leasing fees, utility charges, and any other fees necessary to relet the Premises; (c) repairs to the Premises for Tenant's use that are beyond normal wear and tear; (d) all of Landlord's costs associated with evicting Tenant, including but not limited to court costs, costs of service, prejudgment interest, and reasonable attorney's fees; (e) all of Landlord's costs associated with collecting amounts due under this Agreement, including but not limited to debt collection fees, late charges, and returned check charges; (f) and any other recovery to which Landlord is entitled by law or in equity. Landlord is obligated to make all reasonable efforts to mitigate any damage or loss resulting from Tenant's breach by attempting to relet the Premises to acceptable tenants and thereby reducing Tenant's liability.

21. LATE CHARGE.  In the event that any payment required to be paid by Tenant hereunder is not made within three (3) days of when due, Tenant shall pay to Landlord, in addition to such payment or other charges due hereunder, a "late fee" in the amount of ______________________________________________________________ DOLLARS ($__________).

22. ABANDONMENT.  If at any time during the term of this Agreement Tenant abandons the Premises or any part thereof, Landlord may, at Landlord's option, obtain possession of the Premises in the manner provided by law, and without becoming liable to Tenant for damages or for any payment of any kind whatever.  Landlord may, at Landlord's discretion, as agent for Tenant, relet the Premises, or any part thereof, for the whole or any part thereof, for the whole or any part of the then unexpired term, and may receive and collect all rent payable by virtue of such reletting, and, at Landlord's option, hold Tenant liable for any difference between the rent that would have been payable under this Agreement during the balance of the unexpired term, if this Agreement had continued in force, and the net rent for such period realized by Landlord by means of such reletting.  If Landlord's right of reentry is exercised following abandonment of the Premises by Tenant, then Landlord shall consider any personal property belonging to Tenant and left on the Premises to also have been abandoned, in which case Landlord may dispose of all such personal property in any manner Landlord shall deem proper and Landlord is hereby relieved of all liability for doing so.

23. ATTORNEYS' FEES.  As provided under O.C.G.A. § 44-7-2(c), in the event any dispute arises between Landlord and Tenant that results in litigation concerning a breach of this Agreement, the losing party shall pay the prevailing party's reasonable attorney fees and costs, which shall be determined by the court and made a part of any judgment.

24. RECORDING OF AGREEMENT.  Tenant shall not record this Agreement on the Public Records of any public office.  In the event that Tenant shall record this Agreement, this Agreement shall, at Landlord's option, terminate immediately and Landlord shall be entitled to all rights and remedies that it has at law or in equity.

25. GOVERNING LAW.  This Agreement shall be governed, construed and interpreted by, through and under the Laws of the State of Georgia.  

26. SEVERABILITY.  If any provision of this Agreement or the application thereof shall, for any reason and to any extent, be invalid or unenforceable, neither the remainder of this Agreement nor the application of the provision to other persons, entities or circumstances shall be affected thereby, but instead shall be enforced to the maximum extent permitted by law.

27. BINDING EFFECT.  The covenants, obligations and conditions herein contained shall be binding on and inure to the benefit of the heirs, legal representatives, and assigns of the  parties hereto.

28. DESCRIPTIVE HEADINGS.  The descriptive headings used herein are for convenience of reference only and they are not intended to have any effect whatsoever in determining the rights or obligations of the Landlord or Tenant.

29. CONSTRUCTION.  The pronouns used herein shall include, where appropriate, either gender or both, singular and plural.

30. NON-WAIVER.  No indulgence, waiver, election or non-election by Landlord under this Agreement shall affect Tenant's duties and liabilities hereunder.

31. MODIFICATION.  The parties hereby agree that this document contains the entire agreement between the parties and this Agreement shall not be modified, changed, altered or amended in any way except through a written amendment signed by all of the parties hereto.  

32. NOTICE.  In accordance with O.C.G.A. § 44-7-3, any notice or demand required or permitted under this Lease or under state law shall be deemed sufficiently given or served if sent by United States certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed as follows:

    If to Landlord to:
    
    ______________________________________________
    [Landlord's Name]
    
    ______________________________________________
    
    ______________________________________________
    [Landlord's Address]
    
    ______________________________________________
    [Landlord's E-Mail Address]
    
    
    If to Tenant to:
    
    ______________________________________________
    [Tenant's Name]
    
    ______________________________________________
    
    ______________________________________________
    [Tenant's Address]
    
    ______________________________________________
    [Tenant's E-Mail Address]
    
    A courtesy copy of the notice may also be sent by e-mail but is not required. Landlord and Tenant shall each have the right from time to time to change the place notice is to be given under this paragraph by written notice thereof to the other party. In the event of a change in any of the names and addresses above, Landlord shall advise each Tenant of the change within thirty (30) days after the change either in writing or by posting a notice of the change in a conspicuous place. As required under O.C.G.A. § 44-7-3 for disclosure, the "Landlord" designated above is either the owner of record of the premises or a person authorized to act for and on behalf of the owner for the purposes of serving of process and receiving and receipting for demands and notice and is the person authorized to manage the premises.
    
    

33. ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS; DISCLOSURES.
    ____________________________________________________________
    ____________________________________________________________
    ____________________________________________________________
    ____________________________________________________________
    ____________________________________________________________
    ____________________________________________________________
    [Landlord should note above any disclosures about the premises that may be required under Federal or Georgia law, such as known lead-based paint hazards in the Premises. The Landlord should also disclose any flood hazards.]

As to Landlord this ______ day of ________________________, 20_____.  

LANDLORD:


Sign: ___________________________________ Print: _________________________________
 

As to Tenant, this ______ day of ________________________, 20_____.  

TENANT ("Tenant"):


Sign: ___________________________________ Print: __________________________________

TENANT:


Sign: ___________________________________ Print: __________________________________

TENANT:


Sign: ___________________________________ Print: __________________________________

TENANT:


Sign: ___________________________________ Print: __________________________________