Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Georgia

The landlord game a notice to vacate a room I rented in a house. I have not moved out within the time I got in the notice to vacate. The landlord came today and clean the common areas of the house and took all my furniture and locked/put it in the garage to which I do not have access. I do understand the landlord rights to the house, but can he/she come unannounced and take all the furniture out without a cour order? Is this legal under Georgia tenant/Landlord regulationson a at-will tenancy? What can I do about it or there is nothing for me to do and just let the landlord do what ever he/she pleases to do?


Asked on 6/02/12, 1:09 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Phillip M. Cook Cook Legal Services, LLC

You should read the Georgia Landlord-Tenant handbook. The answer to your question is in there. Here's the webpage:

http://www.dca.state.ga.us/housing/housingdevelopment/programs/LandlordTenantHandbook.asp

And here's one paragraph I found (you should the entire thing and then consult with a lawyer. If you cannot afford one, there are suggestions of what steps you may take in the Handbook).

Q: "My landlord removed all my possessions and changed the locks on the apartment. He did not give me any warning or go through the courts to evict me. What can I do?

A: Self help evictions, including changing the locks, are illegal in Georgia. You may file a lawsuit against the landlord for any damages you suffer due to his wrongful conduct. It is best if this type of action is pursued with the assistance of an attorney. If you cannot obtain an attorney, you can file a claim in the magistrate court of the county where the landlord is located."

Best of luck.*****The above is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client privilege.*******

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Answered on 6/06/12, 5:54 pm


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