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Politics

Renter protections from slumlords approved by Georgia Legislature

The Georgia House of Representatives voted on many bills during the 39th day of legislative session at the Georgia State Capitol on Friday, March 29, 2019. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

The Georgia House of Representatives voted on many bills during the 39th day of legislative session at the Georgia State Capitol on Friday, March 29, 2019. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM
By Mark Niesse
March 29, 2019

The Georgia House gave final passage Friday to a bill protecting renters from eviction when they complain about mold, rats and other unhealthy conditions.

The House voted 125-28 to send House Bill 346 to Gov. Brian Kemp for his signature.

Supporters of the bill said it will help stop landlords from evicting tenants rather than fixing housing problems.

The legislation makes it easier for renters to win court cases and remain in their homes. Landlords who wrongfully tried to evict tenants would be responsible for paying them one month’s rent, plus $500 and legal costs.

About the Author

Mark Niesse is an enterprise reporter and covers elections and Georgia government for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and is considered an expert on elections and voting. Before joining the AJC, he worked for The Associated Press in Atlanta, Honolulu and Montgomery, Alabama. He also reported for The Daily Report and The Santiago Times in Chile.

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