You Tube Landlord for Entertainment Purposes Only

A few days ago, I ran across this YouTube channel. It is entertaining, but don't follow his advice. 

In the video below, he runs through apartments that have been trashed. He doesn't take the damage checklist seriously. Instead, he says, the pictures show how bad it is. In Georgia, that wouldn't fly.

Landlord Damage Video

Georgia Landlord Requirements

In Georgia, a landlord must do a move-out inspection within 3 business day and complete the checklist (with estimates). Pictures and videos should be taken. The breakdown must be Sent to the former tenant because she has the right to return to the unit to see the claimed damage and challenge anything.

Within 30 days, send any portion of the security deposit with a breakdown that explains what is owed in unpaid rent and damages. I recommend using that same move out list to itemize.

If a painter has to paint several rooms, demand a breakdown of cost for each room. That goes for all repairs, including carpets. This breakout ensures you will get something if a judge decides you cannot be reimbursed for certain rooms or certain repairs. 

Enticing a Renter to Leave Before Court Starts Again

For small landlords, if you haven't been paid rent since April, and you want immediate possession to the rental property, you should considering enticing your tenant to leave by entering into a payment plan that does the following:

1. Put the tenant on a payment plan and provides all updated info in a rental application.

2. Get a co-signer/guarantor of that payment plan, if necessary

3. Pay for their moving expenses up to a certain dollar amount

4. Excuse the last payment on the plan if the tenant moves out as agreed.

5. Don't include the security deposit in any part of the agreement because there may be damages to the premises.

If you need further assistance, contact me to discuss your options.

Security Deposit Disputes -- Narrow Representation

Effective February 15, 2019, the Firm will represent all landlords in defense of withholding tenants' security deposits.  However, for tenants, unless there is another issue relating to wrongful eviction, conversion, or failure to repair, the Firm will no longer handle security deposit issues for tenants.