Landlord-tenant disputes can arise from a variety of issues and there are several options to resolve them.
Common disputes
One of the most common disagreements between a landlord and tenant is about rent. This may be because of rent increases, late payments, unpaid rent or how much rent to pay. They may also disagree about the return of security deposits and whether damages should be deducted from the deposit.
They may also have a dispute where there is a violation of the lease’s terms and conditions, like subletting the property without permission. If a tenant is evicted, they may raise issues like wrongful eviction, illegal lockout or contest the termination of the lease.
These are only some examples of disputes that may arise.
Resolution
Both parties should thoroughly review the lease to understand their rights before discussing the issues. It’s helpful to keep copies of all communication, including emails, letters or any other documentation about the dispute.
While there are some disputes that can be resolved through mediation or arbitration, it may be necessary to formally resolve the dispute by pursuing a lawsuit or seeking an order for eviction.
In Georgia, the landlord must provide written notice to the tenant stating the reasons for eviction and file paperwork with the court that includes details about the property, the tenant, and if applicable, any outstanding rent owed.
The court will schedule a hearing date where both the landlord and the tenant will have an opportunity to present their case in front of the judge. The court will review the evidence and issue a judgment.
