Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Georgia

Tenant Moved Without Notice

I had a college student as a tenant who had signed a 12 month lease to rent a room in my house. He moved suddenly after there was a break-in, claiming that he didn't feel safe in the home any longer. He said a tenant could break a lease by going to Tenant court (?) and showing a copy of the police report on the burglary. I told him I wouldn't force him to stay but I wanted 30 days notice and next month rent even if he wasn't staying in the room. He refused and moved out that afternoon.

I want to sue him for the remaining rent due based on the lease but I can't find out where he is staying now. The home address he had given me is not good and I can't locate his parents. What can I do to be able to find him? Would hiring a private investigator be worthwhile? And could I sue for the expense of an investigator? Can I get that information from the college?


Asked on 2/12/06, 4:25 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Glenn M. Lyon, Esq. MacGREGOR LYON, LLC, Business Attorneys

Re: Tenant Moved Without Notice

First, the tenant is mistaken in his belief that he can break the lease due to the break-in. Unless you were involved or somehow at fault under the lease, he cannot move out. Second, if you are going to sue him, you will need to locate him. This can be done by a variety of means, including a Social Security number search, change of address verification through the post office, and phone number search. Whether or not it is worth hiring a PI depends on the amount you are pursuing. You will almost certainly not be able to get that money back.

Glenn M. Lyon, Esq.

MacGregor Lyon, LLC

Promenade II

1230 Peachtree Street NE

Suite 1900

Atlanta Georgia 30309

Phone 404.942.3545

Fax 404.795.0993

[email protected]

www.macgregorlyon.com

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Answered on 2/12/06, 5:18 pm


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