A new Georgia law protects renters from being evicted for complaining about problems like mold, rats and bugs.

Gov. Brian Kemp signed the measure, House Bill 346, into law Wednesday.

Supporters say it empowers renters to remain in their homes and punishes landlords who don't fix housing problems.

Under the new law, landlords who wrongfully try to evict tenants are responsible for paying them one month’s rent, plus $500 and legal costs.

"This is giving people who are in the worst circumstances just a little bit of standing," said state Rep. Sharon Cooper, a Republican from Marietta who sponsored the bill. "It sends a message that we're not going to tolerate" unhealthy housing conditions.

Georgia joins 41 other states with similar laws against retaliatory evictions.

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8/26/17 - Atlanta, GA - Georgia leaders, including Gov. Nathan Deal, Sandra Deal, members of the King family, and Rep. Calvin Smyre,  were on hand for unveiling of the first statue of Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday at the statehouse grounds, more than three years after Gov. Nathan Deal first announced the project.  During the hour-long ceremony leading to the unveiling of the statue of Martin Luther King Jr. at the state Capitol on Monday, many speakers, including Gov. Nathan Deal, spoke of King's biography. The statue was unveiled on the anniversary of King's famed "I Have Dream" speech. BOB ANDRES  /BANDRES@AJC.COM

Credit: Bob Andres