Fulton County GA Eviction-Writ of Possession stage-Filing Q's

[Latasha Griffin]

Hi BP Friends,

At the end of May 2022, I purchased a duplex in Atlanta, GA (Fulton County) and inherited a tenant on one side that was on a month-to-month lease. The property appears to have been a split level SFR that was converted into a duplex at some point. So that I can renovate efficiently, and get the property up to Section 8 Code, I immediately gave him notice that I wouldn't renew his lease. I was just awarded a judgement and order from the Fulton Co Magistrate Court granting me the right to apply for a Writ of Possession 7 days later if he didin't appeal. I went by the property and the tenant appears to still be residing there (i.e. 4 cars in the driveway, drapes all closed). Today I e-filed the Writ of Possession Application.

Is there a separate filing process/fee to pay for the Marshal's presence? I see some other filing options titled "Writ of Possession (ejected/held up/settled/vacated) - (Marshal's Office Only)" but I chose the one titled "Writ of Possession Application (Dispossessory)-$75.00" as it was how the Court Order phrased my right to file an "application" after 7 days following the court date. I'm hoping the $75 covered the Marshal fee.

I'm concerned that if I don't file all the right applications, the process will just be dragged out. Does anyone know exactly what needs to be filed with Fulton County Magistrate Court at this stage so that I can coordinate a date with the Marshal's Office to remove the holdover tenant and his property from the unit?

Also, on the day of move out, any advice for details I should remember [i.e. changing locks, completing property condition report, scheduling with city waste for large item pickup, towing any vehicles on property, ensuring utilities are turned over into my name, checking water meter (Atlanta Watershed is the worst), etc.]?

Finally, if anyone knows what steps I need to now take to file the civil judgement t have it collected/reported on his credit, I'd love to hear about that too! This is my first time evicting a tenant so I'd be very grateful of any guidance to cut my learning curve.

Thanks BP Family!