law, a landlord has the right to increase your rent at any time and by however much they deem fit. However, a landlord can’t legally raise your rent if you’re under a rental contract, like a fixed-term lease.

Since 2021, states like Georgia have seen rental prices soar upwards of 20%—that’s well above the nation’s average, leaving many Peach State residents wondering what to expect next. If you call Georgia home, rent hikes may be hard to avoid, but staying informed on state-specific rental laws doesn’t have to be.

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How much can a landlord raise rent in Georgia?

In Georgia, a landlord has the legal right to raise your rent however much they desire.

Georgia is one of 25 states in the country that don’t have rent-control protection. There are also no laws in place preventing a landlord from raising your rent unless you’re under a rental contract.

If you’re under a fixed-term lease (i.e. a year-long lease) and you’re up for renewal, a landlord can legally increase your rent without notice. However, you won’t have to pay the increased amount unless you decide to stay and sign the new contract.

On the other hand, if your lease expires and your landlord allows you to continue occupying the property without a lease, you become a tenant-at-will—and your landlord can increase your rent by any amount with at least a 60-day written notice.

MORE:

How to find the best renters insurance

How much notice does a landlord need to give before they raise rent?

Georgia law doesn’t require a landlord to notify you of a rent increase. An exception to this law is if you’re a tenant-at-will or if you never signed a formal lease with your landlord.

If you signed a fixed-term lease in Georgia, your landlord can legally increase your rent once your lease expires. However, if your landlord attempts to hike up your rent before the term’s expiration date, you have the right to legally object to the increase.

That being said, not everyone is operating under a fixed-term lease. If you’re tenant-at-will or you never signed a formal lease, your landlord is required to do the following prior to the rent adjustment:

For tenants-at-will, Georgia law requires a written notice of a rent increase at least 60 days in advance

For tenants and landlords without a formal lease, Georgia law requires a written notice of a rent increase 60 days in advance

MORE:

Does renters insurance cover theft from your car?

When is it illegal to raise rent in Georgia?

While it may be legal for landlords to raise the rent in Georgia by any amount, there are a few instances where increasing a tenant’s rent is illegal:

As discrimination against someone of a “protected class”—protected classes include race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, and disability.

As retaliation for a tenant exercising their legal rights (e.g., joining a tenant’s union, withholding rent due to uninhabitable rental unit)

Before the expiration of a fixed-term lease

If you believe your landlord is increasing your rent for discriminatory reasons, you can file a claim with the

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

MORE: Does renters insurance cover mold?

How to respond to a rent increase

If your landlord decides to increase your rent, you have several different ways to respond. Below we go through your options so that you can feel better prepared when/if the situation arises:

If your landlord increases your rent as a form of discrimination or retaliation, you can

file a complaint

with the HUD or hire a lawyer. We suggest referencing the

Georgia Landlord-tenant handbook

for detailed information about how/when to file a claim.

If your landlord increases your rent prior to the expiration of your fixed-term lease, you speak with a lawyer about filing a lawsuit.

If your landlord increases your rent, and you want to remain on the property, you can try to negotiate a lower rate or pay the new rate.

How to save money to deal with a rent hike

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Compare renters insurance rates in minutes

* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score

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* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score

FAQs

Can my landlord raise my rent during the pandemic?

Yes. Georgia law permits landlords to raise rent after your lease has ended, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you find yourself in a difficult situation, like struggling to pay your rent or utility bills, we suggest

looking for a rental assistance program in your area

What is the average rent increase per year in Georgia?

Since January 2021, Georgia rent prices have increased by about 22% per year. Georgia was ranked sixth in the nation for states with the highest rent increases.

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