Last updated: April 2026
Kennesaw renters in Cobb County are governed by Georgia state landlord-tenant law — no rent control exists in Georgia, but the law sets rules on security deposits, the eviction process, and landlord obligations.
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Kennesaw is a city in Cobb County, located in the northwestern Atlanta metropolitan area. As with all Georgia municipalities, Kennesaw renters are governed by the Georgia Landlord-Tenant Act (O.C.G.A. Title 44, Chapter 7). There are no local landlord-tenant ordinances specific to Kennesaw beyond state law.
Georgia provides fewer statutory tenant protections than most states. There is no rent control, no implied warranty of habitability by statute for smaller landlords, and no just-cause eviction requirement. However, the law does include clear rules on security deposit returns, the formal dispossessory process, and prohibitions on self-help eviction. Kennesaw renters should understand these rights before signing a lease or responding to a landlord dispute.
This guide is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws can change; renters facing urgent housing issues should contact one of the legal aid organizations listed at the bottom of this page.
Kennesaw has no rent control. Georgia state law does not explicitly preempt local rent control, but no city or county in Georgia has enacted a rent control or rent stabilization ordinance — and the political and legislative environment makes passage extremely unlikely. There are no caps on how much a landlord may raise rent, no percentage limits, and no requirement that a landlord justify the size of any increase.
For month-to-month tenants, either party must provide at least 60 days' written notice before terminating the tenancy (O.C.G.A. § 44-7-7). Landlords may also issue this notice to accompany a rent increase effective at the next lease period. Tenants whose fixed-term leases are expiring have the choice to negotiate new terms, accept the increase, or vacate — but have no legal basis to challenge the amount under Georgia law.
Georgia law provides the following key protections for Kennesaw renters under O.C.G.A. Title 44, Chapter 7:
Security Deposit: Landlords must return your security deposit within 30 days of the termination of the tenancy, along with a written itemized statement of any deductions. If the property is sold, the deadline shortens to 3 days. A landlord who fails to return the deposit as required may be liable for the full deposit amount plus damages (O.C.G.A. § 44-7-34). Before move-in, landlords with five or more rental units must provide a written list of existing damage.
Habitability (Larger Landlords): Georgia does not have a statutory implied warranty of habitability for all rental properties. However, landlords who own five or more units are required to keep those units in good repair. Tenants in smaller buildings must rely primarily on lease terms and local housing or building codes. Document all maintenance requests in writing.
Retaliation Protection: Georgia's statutory retaliation protections are limited. If you believe your landlord is raising rent, reducing services, or threatening eviction because you reported a code violation or exercised a legal right, document everything in writing and consult Atlanta Legal Aid Society.
Lockout and Self-Help Eviction Prohibition: A landlord cannot remove your belongings, change your locks, or otherwise force you out without completing the formal dispossessory process and obtaining a court order (O.C.G.A. § 44-7-50). Self-help eviction is illegal in Georgia.
Eviction Procedure: Landlords must follow the dispossessory process — file a dispossessory affidavit with the Magistrate Court of Cobb County, serve you with notice, and obtain a writ of possession from the court before you may be removed.
Security deposit rules for Kennesaw renters are set by O.C.G.A. §§ 44-7-30 through 44-7-37. Georgia imposes no statutory cap on the amount a landlord may collect as a security deposit.
Move-In Documentation: If a landlord owns five or more rental units, they must provide you with a written list of any existing damage to the unit before or at the time you move in. If they do not provide this list, they may not deduct for pre-existing damage. Tenants should conduct and photograph their own walk-through regardless.
Return Deadline: Your landlord must return your deposit — along with a written itemized statement of any deductions — within 30 days of the termination of your tenancy. If the rental property is sold during or after your tenancy, the deadline is only 3 days (O.C.G.A. § 44-7-34).
Allowable Deductions: Landlords may deduct for unpaid rent and for damage beyond normal wear and tear. Document the condition of the unit with dated photographs at move-in and move-out.
Penalty for Non-Compliance: A landlord who fails to return the deposit and itemized statement within the required time may be liable for the full deposit amount plus damages. You may file a claim in the Magistrate Court of Cobb County for amounts within the small claims limit.
Landlords in Kennesaw must follow Georgia's formal dispossessory process. Self-help removal — changing locks, removing belongings, or cutting off utilities — is prohibited (O.C.G.A. § 44-7-50).
Step 1 — Notice to Vacate: Before filing in court, the landlord must demand possession — either verbally or in writing. While Georgia law does not require a formal written notice period beyond the demand, most leases specify a notice period. For month-to-month tenancies, 60 days' written notice is required to end the tenancy (O.C.G.A. § 44-7-7).
Step 2 — Dispossessory Affidavit: If you do not vacate after the demand, the landlord files a dispossessory affidavit with the Magistrate Court of Cobb County. You will be served with the affidavit and summons and have 7 days to file a written answer contesting the eviction.
Step 3 — Court Hearing: If you file an answer, a hearing will be scheduled. You have the right to appear and present defenses — including improper notice, habitability violations, acceptance of rent after the notice, or retaliation. If you cannot afford an attorney, contact Atlanta Legal Aid Society before your hearing.
Step 4 — Writ of Possession: If the court rules for the landlord and you do not appeal, the court may issue a writ of possession. Only the court-authorized officer may physically remove you — never the landlord directly.
No. Kennesaw has no rent control ordinance, and no city or county in Georgia has enacted one. There are no caps on how much a landlord can raise your rent in Kennesaw.
There is no legal limit on rent increases in Kennesaw or anywhere in Georgia. For month-to-month tenancies, your landlord must provide at least 60 days' written notice before terminating or materially changing the tenancy terms (O.C.G.A. § 44-7-7). Check your lease for specific notice requirements.
Your landlord must return your deposit within 30 days of the end of your tenancy, along with a written itemized statement of any deductions (O.C.G.A. § 44-7-34). If the property is sold, the deadline is only 3 days. Provide your forwarding address in writing when you move out. Failure to comply may make the landlord liable for the full deposit plus damages.
Your landlord must demand possession before filing a dispossessory affidavit with Cobb County Magistrate Court. For month-to-month tenancies, 60 days' written notice is required to terminate the tenancy (O.C.G.A. § 44-7-7). You have 7 days to file a written answer after being served with the dispossessory summons.
No. Georgia law prohibits self-help eviction (O.C.G.A. § 44-7-50). A landlord cannot change your locks, remove your belongings, or cut off utilities to force you out without a court order. If your landlord does this, contact Atlanta Legal Aid Society immediately.
Submit your repair request in writing and keep a copy. Georgia has no statutory implied warranty of habitability for smaller landlords, so remedies depend on your lease terms and local building codes. For landlords with five or more units, a duty to repair exists under state law. Contact Atlanta Legal Aid Society or file a complaint with the Cobb County Code Enforcement office.
This article provides general information about tenant rights in Kennesaw and is not legal advice. Laws and local ordinances may have changed since publication. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed Georgia attorney or contact Atlanta Legal Aid Society.
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