General information, not legal advice. Landlord-tenant rules change, and cities and counties can add their own. Check the current statute and local ordinances, and talk to a licensed attorney before you act.
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The short version
- There is no statewide limit on rent increases.
- Georgia has no separate rent increase notice statute, so rent stays fixed during a lease term unless the lease allows a change, and a landlord changing a month-to-month tenancy generally works within the 60 day notice for ending it.
- A landlord may not retaliate against a tenant who in good faith reported code violations, asked for repairs or joined a tenant group, and a tenant can raise retaliation as a defense and seek damages.
Georgia has no statute that sets a special notice period for raising rent. A fixed term lease controls during its term, and changes to a month-to-month tenancy follow the notice periods for ending that tenancy.
Georgia rent increase notice at a glance
| Rule | Georgia | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Notice before a rent increase | Georgia has no separate rent increase notice statute, so rent stays fixed during a lease term unless the lease allows a change, and a landlord changing a month-to-month tenancy generally works within the 60 day notice for ending it. | Official Code of Georgia, Title 44 Chapter 7 (tenancy at will) |
| Statewide cap on increases | There is no statewide limit on rent increases. | O.C.G.A. section 44-7-19 |
| Retaliation protection | A landlord may not retaliate against a tenant who in good faith reported code violations, asked for repairs or joined a tenant group, and a tenant can raise retaliation as a defense and seek damages. | Official Code of Georgia, Title 44 Chapter 7 (retaliation, HB 346 of 2019) |
How much notice to give
Give the notice in writing, keep a copy and record how and when it was delivered.
Notice before a rent increase. Georgia has no separate rent increase notice statute, so rent stays fixed during a lease term unless the lease allows a change, and a landlord changing a month-to-month tenancy generally works within the 60 day notice for ending it. (Official Code of Georgia, Title 44 Chapter 7 (tenancy at will))
Fixed-term leases
During a fixed-term lease, rent usually stays as written until the term ends unless the lease itself allows an increase. Plan increases for the renewal.
Caps that limit the increase
Statewide cap on increases. There is no statewide limit on rent increases. (O.C.G.A. section 44-7-19)
Rent control status. Counties and cities may not enact rules that regulate the amount of rent charged for private residential property. (O.C.G.A. section 44-7-19)
Timing and retaliation
Retaliation protection. A landlord may not retaliate against a tenant who in good faith reported code violations, asked for repairs or joined a tenant group, and a tenant can raise retaliation as a defense and seek damages. (Official Code of Georgia, Title 44 Chapter 7 (retaliation, HB 346 of 2019))
Mistakes to avoid
- Raising rent during a fixed term without a clause that allows it.
- Sending the notice by text or email when the lease or the law calls for written delivery another way.
- Increasing rent right after a repair request or complaint.
- Not keeping proof of when the notice was delivered.
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General information, not legal advice.
Verify current law
We last checked these Georgia rules on . Laws change and cities can add their own, so confirm the current text before you rely on it, and talk to a Georgia attorney about your situation.
Laws named on this page
- Official Code of Georgia, Title 44 Chapter 7 (tenancy at will)
- O.C.G.A. section 44-7-19
- Official Code of Georgia, Title 44 Chapter 7 (retaliation, HB 346 of 2019)
Official sources
Georgia forms for this topic
Letters and checklists for this topic
- Notice of Rent Increase · PDF or Word
- Rent Increase Letter · PDF or Word
- Lease Renewal Letter · PDF or Word
The parts people misread.
How much notice is needed to raise rent in Georgia?
Georgia has no separate rent increase notice statute, so rent stays fixed during a lease term unless the lease allows a change, and a landlord changing a month-to-month tenancy generally works within the 60 day notice for ending it. Source: Official Code of Georgia, Title 44 Chapter 7 (tenancy at will).
Is there a cap on rent increases in Georgia?
There is no statewide limit on rent increases. Source: O.C.G.A. section 44-7-19.
Can a rent increase count as retaliation in Georgia?
A landlord may not retaliate against a tenant who in good faith reported code violations, asked for repairs or joined a tenant group, and a tenant can raise retaliation as a defense and seek damages. Source: Official Code of Georgia, Title 44 Chapter 7 (retaliation, HB 346 of 2019).