Last updated: April 2026
Augusta renters are protected by Georgia state landlord-tenant law — learn what your landlord must do, what they cannot do, and where to get help in Richmond County.
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Augusta, Georgia — the seat of Richmond County and home to more than 200,000 residents — is a mid-sized city with a significant renter population, anchored by Augusta University, the medical corridor, and Fort Eisenhower. Many Augusta renters search for answers about security deposits, eviction notices, and what their landlord is required to repair. This page compiles the state and local rules most relevant to renters in Augusta.
Georgia's landlord-tenant framework is relatively minimal compared to most states. Augusta has enacted no local tenant-protection ordinances beyond what state law provides. That means renters here depend entirely on the protections found in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.), particularly Title 44, Chapter 7, which governs landlord-tenant relationships statewide.
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change and individual situations vary — if you are facing eviction, a withheld deposit, or unsafe conditions, contact a qualified attorney or the Georgia Legal Services Program for guidance specific to your case.
Augusta has no rent control, and neither does any other city in Georgia. Georgia state law does not contain an explicit preemption statute barring municipalities from enacting rent control the way some states do (for example, Arizona's A.R.S. § 33-1329). However, no Georgia city has ever enacted a rent control or rent stabilization ordinance, and the political and legislative environment in Georgia makes such an ordinance unlikely in the near term.
In practical terms, this means that a landlord in Augusta can raise your rent by any amount, at any frequency, as long as proper written notice is given before the change takes effect. For month-to-month tenants, that notice period is 60 days under O.C.G.A. § 44-7-7. For fixed-term lease tenants, the landlord generally cannot raise rent during the lease term unless the lease expressly permits it — but at renewal, there is no cap on any increase.
Renters who are concerned about affordability or large rent increases should carefully read their lease terms before signing and document all rent-related communications in writing.
Georgia's landlord-tenant law (O.C.G.A. Title 44, Chapter 7) provides several core protections that apply to every Augusta renter:
Security Deposits (O.C.G.A. §§ 44-7-30 through 44-7-37): Landlords who collect a security deposit must hold it in a separate escrow account and provide the tenant with the name and address of the bank holding the funds. Upon move-out, the landlord has 30 days to return the deposit along with a written, itemized statement of any deductions. If the property is sold, the deadline shrinks to 3 days after the sale closes. Failing to comply exposes the landlord to liability for the full deposit amount plus additional damages.
Habitability and Repairs (O.C.G.A. § 44-7-13): Georgia does not recognize an implied warranty of habitability the way most states do. However, landlords who own five or more rental units have a statutory duty under O.C.G.A. § 44-7-13 to keep those units in repair and in a condition fit for habitation. Tenants in buildings with fewer than five units must rely on their lease terms and local housing codes enforced by Augusta-Richmond County's Code Enforcement division.
Notice to Terminate (O.C.G.A. § 44-7-7): Either a landlord or tenant may terminate a month-to-month tenancy by giving at least 60 days written notice before the end of a rental period. For week-to-week tenancies, 7 days notice is required. These minimums apply unless the written lease specifies a longer period.
Anti-Retaliation (O.C.G.A. § 44-7-24): Georgia's statutory retaliation protections are limited. A landlord may not evict or raise rent in retaliation for a tenant reporting housing code violations to a government authority. However, the law does not cover all forms of retaliation, and the tenant bears the burden of demonstrating retaliatory intent. Document all complaints in writing with dates and keep copies of any landlord responses.
Prohibition on Self-Help Eviction (O.C.G.A. § 44-7-50 et seq.): A landlord in Augusta cannot remove a tenant by locking them out, removing doors or windows, or shutting off utilities. The only lawful method of eviction is through the formal dispossessory proceeding filed in Magistrate Court. Tenants have the right to receive notice and to appear and contest the eviction before a judge.
Georgia's security deposit rules, found at O.C.G.A. §§ 44-7-30 through 44-7-37, set specific obligations for Augusta landlords who collect a deposit:
No Statutory Cap: Georgia law does not limit the amount a landlord may charge as a security deposit. A landlord may charge any amount agreed to in the lease.
Escrow Requirement: The landlord must place the deposit in a separate escrow account at a commercial bank, savings and loan, or credit union. Within three days of receiving the deposit, the landlord must provide the tenant with the name and address of the institution holding the funds (O.C.G.A. § 44-7-31).
Return Deadline: After the tenancy ends, the landlord has 30 days to return the deposit (or the remaining balance) along with a written, itemized list of all deductions. If the rental property has been sold, the deadline is 3 days after the sale closes (O.C.G.A. § 44-7-34).
Penalty for Non-Compliance: If the landlord fails to return the deposit and itemized statement within the required time without a lawful reason, the landlord forfeits the right to retain any portion of the deposit and may be held liable for the full deposit amount plus any additional damages the tenant can prove (O.C.G.A. § 44-7-35). Courts have interpreted this provision to allow tenants to recover the full deposit even if the landlord had legitimate deductions, if the landlord failed to follow proper procedure.
Move-In Checklist: Tenants are strongly advised to document the condition of the unit at move-in with a written checklist and photos, signed by the landlord if possible, to avoid disputes over pre-existing damage at the end of the tenancy.
Augusta landlords must follow Georgia's formal dispossessory process (O.C.G.A. §§ 44-7-50 through 44-7-59) to remove a tenant. No self-help eviction — such as a lockout, utility shutoff, or removal of belongings — is permitted at any stage.
Step 1 — Written Demand to Vacate: Before filing in court, the landlord must make a written demand that the tenant vacate the premises. For nonpayment of rent, this demand can be immediate — there is no statutory cure period in Georgia. For other lease violations or at the end of a lease term, the timing depends on the type of tenancy and any notice provisions in the lease.
Step 2 — Dispossessory Warrant Filed in Magistrate Court: If the tenant does not leave after the written demand, the landlord files a dispossessory affidavit in the Richmond County Magistrate Court (O.C.G.A. § 44-7-51). The court then issues a summons served on the tenant, who has 7 days from service to file a written answer contesting the eviction.
Step 3 — Hearing: If the tenant files an answer, the court schedules a hearing. Both parties may present evidence. Tenants who have a valid defense — such as rent already paid, habitability issues, or retaliation — should appear and bring documentation. Tenants who do not respond within 7 days may have a default judgment entered against them.
Step 4 — Writ of Possession: If the court rules in the landlord's favor, a writ of possession is issued. A Richmond County Marshal or Sheriff's deputy will then supervise removal of the tenant, typically giving a short final notice before physical enforcement (O.C.G.A. § 44-7-55).
Self-Help Eviction is Illegal: Under O.C.G.A. § 44-7-50, a landlord who locks out, removes a tenant's belongings, or shuts off utilities without a court order is acting unlawfully. Tenants subjected to self-help eviction should document the conduct and contact Georgia Legal Services Program or file a complaint with local code enforcement immediately.
No. Augusta has no rent control ordinance, and Georgia has no statewide rent control law. Landlords in Augusta may charge any rent amount they choose and may raise rent by any amount at the end of a lease term or, for month-to-month tenants, with 60 days written notice under O.C.G.A. § 44-7-7. No cap on rent increases exists at the city, county, or state level.
There is no limit on how much a landlord can raise your rent in Augusta — Georgia has no rent stabilization law. For a fixed-term lease, the landlord generally cannot raise rent during the lease term unless the lease explicitly allows it. For month-to-month tenants, the landlord must provide at least 60 days written notice before any rent increase takes effect, per O.C.G.A. § 44-7-7.
Your landlord has 30 days after you move out to return your security deposit along with a written, itemized list of any deductions, under O.C.G.A. § 44-7-34. If the property is sold during that period, the deadline is just 3 days after the sale closes. A landlord who fails to comply risks forfeiting the right to keep any portion of the deposit and may be liable for the full amount plus additional damages under O.C.G.A. § 44-7-35.
Before filing a dispossessory action in Richmond County Magistrate Court, the landlord must serve you with a written demand to vacate the premises (O.C.G.A. § 44-7-50). For nonpayment of rent, Georgia law does not require a cure period — the demand can be immediate. Once the court summons is served, you have 7 days to file a written answer contesting the eviction before a default judgment may be entered against you.
No. Under O.C.G.A. § 44-7-50, a landlord cannot remove a tenant through self-help measures such as changing locks, removing doors or windows, or cutting off utilities. The only lawful way to remove a tenant in Georgia is through the formal dispossessory process in Magistrate Court. If your landlord locks you out or shuts off utilities, document the situation and contact Georgia Legal Services Program at 1-800-498-9469 or Augusta-Richmond County Code Enforcement immediately.
Georgia does not have a statutory implied warranty of habitability for all rentals, but landlords owning five or more units must maintain them in a state of repair under O.C.G.A. § 44-7-13. For all units, substandard conditions — such as lack of heat, water, or structural hazards — may violate local housing codes enforced by Augusta-Richmond County Code Enforcement. File a written complaint with Code Enforcement to create an official record. Tenants in smaller buildings should also review their lease for repair provisions and consult Georgia Legal Services Program about available remedies.
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Tenant rights law is fact-specific and changes over time — the statutes and rules described here reflect the law as of April 2026 and may have been amended since publication. Renters facing eviction, security deposit disputes, unsafe living conditions, or other housing legal matters should consult a licensed Georgia attorney or contact the Georgia Legal Services Program for advice tailored to their individual situation. RentCheckMe is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation.
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