Atlanta Georgia Landlords

[David Taylor]

Good evening Atlanta landlords,

In the next two months, I plan on searching for my first rental.  I have read the Georgia State Landlord/Tenant laws.  I am curious what negatives and postive things you like about it?  What are things we should particularly be careful for, that you have experienced in this area yourselves?  

We are looking to invest in Fulton County inside the perimeter.

Thanks,

Dave

[Anna Watkins]

My opinion (others may vary in wisdom, experience and rightness!) -- Georgia's rules seem reasonable to me.  As a landlord, I try to build in as much protection for myself as possible into my leases, but I do believe that this is also protection for the tenant (when I go through the lease and check-in lists, and get everything in writing, I explain that it captures what I say I'll do for them as much as what they say they'll do as tenants).

As you'll see over and over again on BP, the MOST important thing is to get good quality tenants!   Provide safe and comfortable housing, yet giving up $25 or $50 in monthly rent (or whatever the equivalent is in your price range) more than pays for itself with tenants that are responsible, will stay a while, and will take care of the unit and be happy to live there.  It's taken me a while, with my homeowner's mindset, to realize that there are people who will rent maybe forever, who are not or who cannot buy their own houses, and these can be fantastic people to attract.

Put it all in writing, go over expectations clearly, SCREEN your applicants well, and offer good quality housing at the average rent for the area or even a hair below, and you're off to a good start.  Oh and don't forget to read the BP guides on Renting Your House and Tenant Screening.  Good value at twice the price :-)