This guide takes you step-by-step through the complete renting process. It covers everything from finding an apartment home to moving out, so you can feel confident and make the best choices.
Smart Renter Reminders
- Watch for red flags:
- Avoid listings without photos or in-person tours.
- Beware of landlords asking for a full deposit before signing the lease.
- Watch out for landlords who only accept payment by wire, peer-to-peer platforms (e.g., CashApp), or via gift cards.
- Prep for tenant screening:
- Check your credit score.
- Gather references and proof of income.
Before You Sign a Lease
Search Smart
- Beware of scams.
- There are many trusted websites where you can find housing: GeorgiaHousingSearch.org, Rent.com, Zillow, Trulia, Apartments.com, Zumper, and HotPads.
- If you are looking for housing in a rural area, try LandSearch, USDA rural development multi-family housing (MFH) rentals, real estate professionals, and networking.
- Tip: To take a closer look at properties, use Google Street View.
Inspect in Person
- Tour the property.
- Explore the neighborhood at various times for traffic, amenities, and safety.
Understand the Lease
- Get a copy of the lease and read it before signing and/or paying a deposit.
- Pay attention to the details, especially lease length, deposit rules, early move-out, extra cleaning fees, pets, and penalties. Watch for clauses about rent increases or automatic renewal.
- It’s all about the lease: Verbal promises don’t count. Only what’s in writing matters.
Tech and Tools to Help You Rent Smart
- Download renter-friendly apps (if applicable) that can help with:
- Rent payment
- Budgeting
- Maintenance requests—i.e., a property management company’s portal.
- Review cautiously: Use virtual tools to tour and compare.
- Online reviews are helpful but be careful and look out for fake or biased posts.
- Virtual tours are useful for initial checks, but nothing beats a real walk-through.
- Explore neighborhoods, traffic, and amenities remotely.
- Collect photographic proof: Document the unit’s condition before moving in. Dated photos will help avoid future disputes.
Money-Smart Renting Tips
Know What You Owe
- Ask about additional fees: cleaning, pet, application, parking, technology, trash, etc.
- Ask whether utilities are included in the rent, and if it is a flat rate or scaled by usage.
- Do you have to pay a share of the common area utilities (e.g., hallways, fitness facilities, or common outdoor spaces)?
- Ask if fees are refundable. Factor in pet deposits, utility costs, and possible penalties.
- Understand the potential impact on your credit. Missed rent = credit damage. Make sure you can afford to pay the rent and be cautious about lease cosigners. If your roommates don’t pay, you are responsible for the full rent.
Repairs and Costs
- You have a right to a habitable home. Report all needed repairs to management.
- Before deducting costs, moving out, and/or breaking the lease, seek assistance or legal advice.
Get Renters Insurance
- Compare plans and select the best renters insurance to protect your personal possessions from theft, fire, and other concerns.
- Beware of landlords asking to be listed as a beneficiary on the policy.
Smart Living as a Renter
Know Your Renter Rights
- Understand laws on notice periods, repairs, and privacy.
- Eviction procedures: Landlords must follow legal steps as outlined in the Georgia Landlord-Tenant Handbook.
Document Everything
- Take photos of everything when you move in and note any damage.
- Submit maintenance requests in writing, email, or through a tenant portal.
Communicate with Your Landlord
- Use email or apps to document confirmation numbers and to maintain records.
- Communicate in writing: For all complaints or repairs, always document with polite and clear written messages.
- Maintenance: Landlords must maintain habitable conditions. However, damages caused by you or your guests are your responsibility.
Moving Out Like a Pro
Follow a Moving Timeline
- Give proper notice (usually 30–60 days) and follow lease guidelines.
- Cancel utilities, change your mailing address, and clean the unit.
Document the Unit’s Condition
- Take photos and request a final walk-through.
- Inspect and sign: Managers must provide a damage list, and you have limited time to dispute it. For more details, read the Georgia Landlord-Tenant Handbook.
- Avoid trouble: No signed list = no case. Cooperate and document everything.
Request Your Security Deposit
- Provide a forwarding address.
- Dispute any unfair deductions in writing.
- Take photos when moving out to support your case.
- Get your deposit back: Landlords have 30 days to return it.
Break a Lease Responsibly
- Ask about subletting or early termination clauses.
The original version of this publication, titled Leasing Smart in Georgia, was written by Dr. Pamela Turner and Dr. Russell James, University of Georgia Department of Financial Planning, Housing and Consumer Economics. Reviewed byJake Conner & Jackie Ogden, UGA Extension; Georgia Department of Community Affairs; and Georgia Appleseed.
