Understanding your disclosure responsibilities as a landlord is essential. The Georgia Landlord-Tenant Act requires you to provide tenants with specific information before a lease begins. These required disclosures help establish transparency and protect both you and the renter throughout the tenancy.
Whether you manage apartments, condos, or single-family homes, knowing what you must disclose is key to staying compliant.
Lead-Based Paint Disclosure
If your rental unit was built before 1978, the Federal Law mandates that you disclose the presence of lead-based paint or related hazards. You must also provide tenants with the federal government’s approved pamphlet, “Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home.”
This document explains the health risks associated with lead exposure and outlines preventive steps. If you fail to comply with this requirement, you could face serious legal penalties.
This is one of the most common required disclosures, especially for older rental properties in historic Atlanta neighborhoods.
Identity of the Landlord or Property Manager
You are required to inform tenants in writing of your name and address, as well as the contact details of any property manager responsible for maintenance or communication. This information must be disclosed before the rental agreement begins and immediately updated if anything changes.
This ensures tenants know who to contact for rent payments, emergency repairs, or general inquiries, making for smoother communication and more efficient property management.
Flooding Disclosure
Georgia state law requires you to disclose whether a rental unit has experienced flooding three or more times in the past five years. If the unit is located in a flood zone, this must be disclosed in writing before a lease is signed.
Transparency in this area can help prevent disputes and reduce your liability. It also empowers tenants to make informed decisions about renting in areas more vulnerable to natural disasters.
Security Deposit Terms
You must disclose specific security deposit details, including where the deposit is held and whether it accumulates interest. You must also provide a detailed move-in inspection checklist, outlining the current condition of the rental unit.
This mutual documentation serves as a baseline to compare against at move-out and helps prevent potential conflicts regarding damage charges.
Pest or Mold Issues
Disclosing any known mold or pest infestations is a smart move for ethical and legal protection, though it is not explicitly required under local ordinances.
Tenants may file tenants' rights complaints or cite housing code violations if such issues come to light after move-in. Addressing concerns in advance shows that you are responsible.
Utility Billing and Shared Services
If your rental properties have shared utilities, such as water or electricity meters, states require you to explain how billing is divided and how tenants are expected to pay. Clearly outlining these details in the lease avoids confusion and sets fair expectations from the start.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Ensuring the presence of smoke detectors is an accepted best practice, although Georgia does not currently require carbon monoxide detectors in every rental. You should disclose information about the location and maintenance schedule of these safety devices in the lease agreement.
Including these devices and verifying they work properly adds a layer of safety for tenants and protects you from potential liability in the event of fire or gas exposure.
Let HNN Atlanta Help You Stay Compliant
Whether you’re a hands-on property manager or working with a professional property management team, understanding required landlord disclosures is essential. From lead-based paint to security deposit rules and flood history, complying with local law protects your investment and your tenants.
While Georgia does not currently have rent control laws, it’s important to stay informed, as some states require landlords like you to follow strict regulations on rent increases and tenant notifications. Understanding how these rules vary by location ensures you're always operating within the law.
At HNN Atlanta, we help landlords like you to streamline compliance, maximize ROI, and reduce liability across all types of rental properties.
Contact us today to learn how we can help you inform tenants, manage disclosures, and protect your business!
