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Atlanta Landlord-Tenant Disputes Attorney

In an ideal world, everyone would agree that housing is a fundamental human right and everyone would have somewhere safe to live. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. If you’re in a situation where you’re renting a house or an apartment, it’s essential to know as much about landlord-tenant law as possible so you can assert your rights when necessary. If you’re having a dispute with your landlord, Williams Oinonen LLC can help. We have been assisting tenants with disputes for years, and we want to ensure that you and your family have a place to call home. Contact an Atlanta landlord-tenant disputes attorney for a consultation by filling out our online form or calling (404) 654-0288.

When You Need a Landlord-Tenant Disputes Lawyer

If you find yourself in a situation where your landlord is doing something unlawful or is treating you unfairly, it’s important to contact a lawyer. These situations might include a landlord withholding a security deposit that you’re legally entitled to, refusing to fix health and safety issues in the apartment, or attempting to illegally evict you. Many landlords think they can take advantage of their tenants. Hiring a lawyer will show them that this is absolutely untrue. The attorneys at Williams Oinonen LLC have decades of experience handling landlord-tenant disputes in addition to wrongful death litigation in Atlanta and across the state of Georgia.

Georgia Landlord Requirements

In Georgia, there are several rules and laws that all landlords must comply with. It’s crucial that you know what they are so you can take action if your rights are being violated.

1. Comply With Anti-Discrimination Laws

Most landlords are required to comply with anti-discrimination laws. This means they cannot discriminate against tenants or potential tenants on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, or physical or mental disability. However, landlords are permitted to reject applicants based on poor credit history, bad references from previous landlords, or other factors that make the tenant a risk that isn’t based on the above-protected characteristics.

2. Comply With Security Deposit Rules

In Georgia, your landlord can collect any amount they wish for a security deposit. However, there are rules regarding when that deposit must be returned to the tenant. Your landlord must return your deposit within one month after you have vacated the property and returned the keys. If your landlord decides to withhold all or part of your security deposit, they are required to provide you with a statement of the charges and mail it to your last known address. Your landlord is not permitted to use your security deposit to cover regular wear and tear.

3. Provide Safe and Habitable Housing

In Georgia, your landlord must comply with the implied warranty of habitability, meaning they must provide you with a safe and livable property. The property must meet the Georgia requirements, such as having heat, sufficient hot water, and a roof that doesn’t let rain or snow into the property. The dwelling must be free of significant hazards such as lead, asbestos, and mold, with a structure that is sound and not in danger of collapse. This is not something that has to be written into a lease. This is something that all landlords must comply with no matter what. A fail to provide this standard of code can lead to serious injuries and fire-related accidents.

4. Laws Against Retaliation

In Georgia, your landlord cannot retaliate against you for asking for repairs, calling Code Enforcement, or organizing a tenant association. If your landlord retaliates against you for exercising your rights as a tenant, you should contact an attorney.

5. HUD Subsidized Tenants

In Georgia, landlords that get rent subsidies from HUD in the form of vouchers or project-based rental assistance are supposed to respect their tenants’ rights under HUD regulations. These include the right to decent, safe, and sanitary housing and the right to organize a tenant association. We are experienced in protecting your rights as an affordable housing tenant.

A Landlord-Tenant Disputes Attorney at Williams Oinonen LLC Can Help

Regardless of how much rent you pay, your landlord must provide you with a safe and habitable property. If you find yourself without heat, hot water, or any other essential services, you should contact an experienced lawyer right away. Additionally, if your landlord is illegally withholding your deposit or attempting to evict you without taking the proper legal steps, an Atlanta landlord-tenant disputes attorney at Williams Oinonen LLC can help. We care about our community and all of our clients, and we will do whatever it takes to ensure that you aren’t being taken advantage of. Contact an Atlanta attorney today for a consultation by filling out our online form or calling (404) 654-0288.