Make a Free Georgia Lease Agreement

Most Commonly Used Georgia Lease Agreements

The most commonly used Georgia lease agreements are commercial leases, standard residential leases, month-to-month residential leases, lease to own, roommate agreement, and a sublease agreement.

How to Write a Georgia Lease Agreement

How a Georgia lease agreement is written ultimately depends on the type of lease. For example, a roommate agreement is a residential lease, but it divides the rent, utilities, and use of a residential unit. A commercial lease usually has a much longer term than a residential lease. Active duty military may have the option of terminating a lease before it ends because of deployment or relocation. To write a Georgia residential lease agreement, include the following information:

• The type of lease and the address of the premises. For example, a residential lease for 123 Main Street, Apartment B, Town, Georgia, 11111.
• Include the full name of the landlord and the tenant.
• The amount of rent that is due each month and when the rent is due.
• The term of the lease. This should include the date the lease begins and when it ends.
• How the rent may be paid to the landlord. This should include the method of payment (such as check or money order) and where the payment should be made.
• The amount received in rent and deposits for move in.
• The amount of late charges for late rent and NSF fees for bounced checks. This section should also list whether there is a grace period for late rent. If so, how many days?
• Whether pets are allowed. If so, whether there is a monthly rent increase, a pet deposit, or restrictions on the type and number of pets.
• Whether parking is provided or if the tenant is responsible for making their own parking arrangement.
• Whether appliances or other furnishings are provided.
• How many keys or other items will be given to the tenant.
• Any other additions or exceptions for the property.
• The dated signature of both the tenant and the landlord.

What Disclosures Belong in a Georgia Lease Agreement

There are several disclosures that must be made at the time the landlord and the tenant enter into a Georgia lease agreement. The first is a flood disclosure. If the property has flooded three or more times during the last five years, the landlord must inform the tenant. The second is the identification of any manager, individual, or agent who is allowed to be on the property on behalf of the landlord. The third disclosure is a list of prior damages to the property. The landlord must provide it when they receive the security deposit. This is often referred to as an inspection form. The fourth disclosure is specific information about previous tenants. If a former tenant was infected by a virus, died, committed murder or another felony on the property, the new tenant is legally obligated to receive that information.

Finally, if the residential unit was built prior to 1978, the landlord must provide a lead-paint disclosure under federal law.

What You Need to Know about Georgia Lease Agreement Deposits

In Georgia, there is no state law that caps security deposits. However, at the end of the lease, the landlord must return the deposit within one month. If the landlord keeps part of the deposit for damages, they must provide an itemized list and those items cannot be considered ordinary wear and tear.