Five Things to Know When Renting Out Your Atlanta Home

Whether you are an Atlanta homeowner getting ready to rent your house for the first time or if you are a seasoned landlord with several long-term rentals, it’s important to familiarize yourself with these Atlanta-specific rules regarding renting out a property . In this post, we’ll discuss some of the unique things you need to know when renting out your investment property in Atlanta to ensure you’re fully in the know! the know!

Here are the top five things you need to know before renting your property in Atlanta

• Rental Registration: Atlanta requires all owners to register their rental properties with the city's Department of Planning and Community Development. The registration fee is $150 per property, and owners must renew their registration every two years. This regulation is still in place, but with the current real estate market, owners might need to act quickly to register their properties due to increased demand

• Housing Code: Atlanta has a housing code that outlines minimum standards for rental properties, including requirements for heating, ventilation, and plumbing systems. Owners must ensure that their properties comply with the housing code to avoid fines and penalties

• Security Deposits: Georgia law allows owners to charge up to two months' rent as a security deposit. Owners must return the security deposit within one month of the end of the lease, less any deductions for damages or unpaid rent.

• Rent Control: Atlanta does not have rent control, which means that owners can increase rent as they see fit. However, owners must give tenants 60 days' notice before raising rent. In the current real estate market, owners may be able to increase rent due to high demand, but they should still be mindful of the notice requirements and how rent increases will affect their tenants

• Fair Housing: Owners in Atlanta must comply with federal fair housing laws, which prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, or disability. Owners must also comply with Georgia's fair housing laws, which provide additional protections.

By following the rules and regulations outlined, we hope you have the confidence knowing you’ve covered the necessary bases to make sure you’re renting your property safely and legally. In this market, owners need to act quickly to register their properties, ensure their properties meet housing code requirements, work with tenants to avoid eviction, be mindful of rent increases, and avoid discrimination. These kinds of requirements are always subject to change, so it’s always best to check local ordinances to ensure you’re in compliance.

Here at Nomad, we’re experts when it comes to pricing your property, finding a well-vetted tenant, and guaranteeing your rent for the duration of the lease you sign with your tenant. If you’re interested in learning more about these services and why over 6,000 owners love working with us, get started by requesting your free Guaranteed Rental Estimate!