According to ZipRecruiter.com, the average pay for landlords in Atlanta, GA, is $6,926 monthly or $83,113 yearly. The highest earners even make as much as $145,210 annually!
As a new Atlanta landlord, your goal should be to work your way up the ladder and become part of the second group. One way to achieve this is by ensuring your tenants know and, most importantly, perform their legal and optional property maintenance tasks.
Join our rental property management team at Rent Appeal, Inc. as we explore Atlanta tenants' legal repair and maintenance obligations and share insights on optional tasks.
Legal Property Maintenance Responsibilities of Atlanta Tenants
Georgia Code Title 44 Chapter 7 (§§ 44-7-1 to 44-7-119) regulates landlord-tenant relations in the state, including both parties' rights and responsibilities. If you want a simplified version of these state laws, visit the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) website and download the Georgia Landlord-Tenant Handbook.
Here's a brief rundown of Atlanta tenants' legal property maintenance responsibilities:
- Keep the dwelling tidy and clean
- Clean the carpets
- Not destroy, damage, or deface the property
- Use the dwelling and all its contents (e.g., furniture, appliances, fixtures, and systems) in a reasonable manner
If your tenants find any issue with the property that requires repairs, they must notify you. Under the Georgia Code, landlords are responsible for most property maintenance and repair tasks arising from ordinary wear and tear.
If maintenance or repair is necessary due to the tenant's misuse or negligence of the property, they must shoulder the costs. However, they must still notify you about the damages and obtain your permission before making any repairs or alterations. For example, they cannot prune or trim tree branches they think are too long.
Atlanta Tenants' Optional Property Maintenance Tasks
You can often negotiate optional property maintenance tasks with your tenants. They don't have to agree to these chores as they're not legally mandatory. However, offering incentives may make them more willing to perform the following tasks:
- Replacing heating and air conditioning filters every one to three months
- Mowing the grass
- Raking fallen leaves
- Shoveling or salting snow
For incentives, consider offering a small rental discount or gift cards. You can then give them these "rewards" after confirming they've upheld the end of their bargain through a property inspection.
Regardless of the optional tasks you negotiate with your tenants and the incentives they come with, ensure you outline them all in your lease agreement.
Keep Your Atlanta Rentals in Top Shape
While you, the landlord, are responsible for most property maintenance and repair tasks, your tenants also have obligations. They must keep the dwelling clean, report anything requiring maintenance or repairs, and not damage your property. If you work with your tenants, you can maintain high property values and ensure your rentals remain safe and habitable.
Don't have time to carry out all your landlord duties? If so, Rental Appeal, Inc. can help!
We're a full-service property management company that has been serving the Atlanta, GA, area since 2013. From finding quality tenants to enforcing the lease, collecting rent, and keeping your rental in top shape, we can help with all these (and more).
Call us today to request your management quote!
