SB 247 seeks to amend Article 1 of Chapter 7 of Title 44 of the O.C.G.A., relating to landlord and tenant generally. It seeks to encourage landlords and tenants to maintain and improve the quality of housing and to promote equal protection to all parties.

            New Code Section 44-7-1.1 is added to delineate relevant definitions.           

            Code Section 44-7-13 is revised to specify actions the landlord must take to keep the dwelling in fit and habitable condition. It further clarifies what actions a tenant must take to keep the dwelling in such condition. It sets forth conditions under which the tenant and landlord agree that the tenant perform specified repairs and maintenance.

            New Code Section 44-7-23 clarifies circumstances and procedure in which a tenant can terminate a rental agreement or initiate legal action against the landlord.

            Code Section 44-7-24 specifies how notice is to be given between parties and at which point one can be deemed to have notice.

            Code Section 44-7-25 clarifies instances in which the landlord does and does not have the right to enter the dwelling.