Sometimes, conflicts between landlords and tenants revolve around who has a right to access the property. These laws can be complex in Georgia, and it is important to understand when this is legally permissible.
The root of the issue is that both people may think of the property as their personal space. The renter is on the lease for the unit and thinks of it as their home, while the landlord is the property owner and thinks of it as their own space that they are choosing to rent out.
So, when can a landlord enter a property?
If they have provided appropriate notice
Landlords sometimes have to enter a property for a valid reason, like doing an inspection, making repairs or showing the apartment to prospective future tenants.
Often, what is required for this type of activity is advance notice. As a rule of thumb, landlords typically give 24 hours of notice. They usually should not enter unannounced.
If there is an emergency
However, entering unannounced is sometimes allowed, especially in an emergency situation. Examples could be a flood, a fire, a gas leak or significant and sudden damage to the property.
If there is an emergency, the landlord may have no choice but to act quickly to protect their property. In such a situation, they may be able to enter the property without providing any notice at all.
Navigating a dispute
For both landlords and tenants, it is important to be aware of how property rights work and who can access that property at any given time. When disputes arise, it can help to work with an experienced attorney to find a solution.