My landlord failed to make repairs. Now what?

Courts in Georgia have held that when a landlord fails to respond to repair requests after a reasonable time, tenants can hire a competent repair person to perform the needed repairs. The cost must be reasonable, and the tenant may deduct the cost from the rent. It's a good idea to put your request in writing, keep all receipts and invoices, hire licensed workers if possible, and perform only needed repairs, not upgrades.

After the Tenant has given reasonable notice of a defect to the Landlord, and the Landlord has failed to make the repair within a reasonable time, the Tenant may make reasonable repairs and deduct the reasonable cost from the rent, or the Tenant may file a lawsuit against the Landlord for damages arising from the failure to repair.

Show All Answers

1. Can I evict the tenant or the tenant's property from my rental property?
2. Can I file a late answer?
3. How is the Landlord-Tenant (Dispossessory) Affidavit served on the tenant?
4. I have been served with a Landlord-Tenant (Dispossessory) Affidavit. What can I do?
5. If the tenant fails to file an answer within 7 days from service of a Landlord-Tenant (Dispossessory) Affidavit, what can I do?
6. My landlord failed to make repairs. Now what?
7. My landlord owes me money. How can I get it back?
8. The last day to file my answer falls on a weekend or a legal holiday and the Magistrate Court is closed. What can I do?
9. The tenant has filed an answer with the Magistrate Court. When will the hearing be held?
10. What are the requirements for a landlord filing a Landlord-Tenant (Dispossessory) Affidavit?
11. What do I bring to court?
12. Where do I file a Landlord-Tenant (Dispossessory) Affidavit in order to evict my tenants?
13. Will an appeal stop an eviction from going forward?
14. Will the Judgment appear on my credit report?