Collecting Damages and Unpaid Utilities

[Kevin Feltner]

I have been a landlord for 10+ years, and I have never attempted to collect unpaid rent and/or damages from a tenant. I would now like to try to collect unpaid utility bills and damages from a tenant, but I do not know where to start.

Here's where I stand...

The tenant moved out on July 31 leaving unpaid utility bills and damages of $723.29 (in addition to his security deposit). I understand this amount isn't excessive, but I feel like I need to take action so that I can understand the process better when this occurs again.

I provided the tenant with a move-out letter and inspection report on August 2. He viewed the paperwork via DocuSign the same day, but he did not sign. As listed on his lease and the letter, he had five days to dispute the findings (no response). I now plan on sending certified paperwork via USPS on August 10, as I have his new address. I intend to include a demand for payment within 30 days. If payment is not made by then, I would like to attempt to collect.

The apartment he rented was in Georgia. He now lives in Tennessee. Can I proceed with a small claims case in Fulton County, Georgia (the apartment location)? If not, do you have suggestions? Again, I understand that it is not a large sum of money, I just want to better understand the process, and I feel that the best way to accomplish this is to do something.

Thank you for your time.