Across Georgia and beyond, frustrated renters are facing unlivable conditions—from persistent mold to crumbling foundations—with little to no response from their property managers. And when phone calls go unanswered and promises aren’t kept, tenants are left wondering: What now?
Let’s unpack what renters can do when landlords fail to uphold their responsibilities—and how to protect yourself if you’re stuck living with dangerous or unhealthy conditions.
A Moldy Apartment and Broken Promises
The stories aren’t just hypotheticals—they’re real, and they’re troubling.
Carolyn told us she’s been asking her landlord to fix a leak for eight months. The result? Her apartment is now infested with mold. Another tenant, Leon, reached out to his leasing manager, only to be met with repeated empty promises. And then there’s Alison, who’s living with a cracked foundation, rampant overgrowth outside, and an overwhelming smell of mold inside.
“It’s despicable,” she says.
Situations like these aren’t just inconvenient—they can be harmful to your health and your safety. In many cases, they’re also a violation of the law.
When renters face unlivable conditions with no response from their property managers, tenants are left wondering: What now? (iStock)
What Landlords Are Legally Required to Do
Georgia law—and that of most states—makes it clear: landlords must maintain safe and livable conditions in their rental properties. This includes:
- Ensuring the property is structurally sound and hazard-free
- Maintaining functional electricity, heat, and plumbing
- Addressing necessary repairs in a reasonable time frame
“Reasonable” isn’t always defined in exact terms, but the longer the delay—especially for serious issues like leaks or mold—the more likely it is that your landlord is out of compliance.
Here’s what you should do first:
- Report the issue in writing.
Verbal complaints often go nowhere. Email your landlord or property manager with a clear description of the problem—and include photos or videos as evidence. - Follow up.
If you don’t get a timely response, follow up with a phone call or in-person conversation. Be polite but firm. Check your lease.
Some repairs may not fall under your landlord’s responsibility—especially if you provided the appliance in question. But if the issue affects health, safety, or the building’s structure, it’s almost certainly on them to fix.
When Enough Is Enough: Taking Action
If your landlord still doesn’t budge, you have a few tools in your tenant-rights toolkit:
1. Call in the Code Enforcers
Every county has a code enforcement office responsible for inspecting housing violations. File a complaint, and an inspector can visit your home. If violations are found, the landlord could face fines or legal pressure to make repairs.
Find your local office using your county’s Code Enforcement Division or housing department.
2. Consider Legal Action
Tenants can file a claim in small claims court, asking a judge to compel the landlord to make repairs or pay for damages caused by neglect. You may not even need a lawyer to do this. Just make sure you’ve documented everything—emails, photos, and any health-related impacts.
3. Moving Out—The Nuclear Option
If the situation is dangerous and your landlord still won’t fix it, moving out might be your only choice. But beware: breaking a lease can result in financial penalties. If you go this route, consult a local tenant attorney or housing advocate first.
Remember, no one should be forced to live in unsafe or unhealthy conditions. You deserve better—and you’re not alone in the fight for fair housing.
Takeaway Tips:
- Always document maintenance requests in writing and include evidence.
- Know your rights under your state’s landlord-tenant laws.
- Contact code enforcement or consider small claims court if repairs are ignored.
- Seek help through trusted consumer advocacy services like TrustDALE.
Have a landlord horror story of your own? Let us know. Your experience could help others fight for safer, fairer housing in our community.
