Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Georgia

I rent from a large apartment complex managed by a firm. The property is in foreclosure and the new management firm (hired by the bank) is trying to fix up the property in order to find a buyer.

Recently they sent out notices under threat of fines to clean up our porch/patios. Which I did. I left up some wicker shades and I got a notice to remove them - which I did. They said ONLY patio furniture and live plants could remain on the patio. Then I got notice that I had a rug over the balcony railing - I removed it. Then I got a notice that there was a broom (it was only broom handle/pole) and a plastic container (it was a flat piece of plastic leaned against the wall) and telling me that I was being charged $100 for failure to comply.

It doesn't say Patio Furniture and Live Plants only in our lease - but it does ask you not to store stuff out there.

Everything is down now. But, I did let them know that it was becoming harrassment.

2 doors down from me there is a lady with so much junk hanging all over her patio you can't see it - signs, bird baths, wind chimes, empty pots, fertilizer bags, soil - you name it on her porch (I have pictures) and planters, bird feeders, bird bath, tomato cages, pinwheels, and so on scattered in the lawn in front of her apartment. There is a clause in our lease that specifically mentions the lawn area and not to put stuff out there. And, her patio is a junk pile and looks trashy.

She has been at the complex a very long time and they are not doing anything to her about this.

I would have left her alone if they hadn't harrassed me about a broom handle and a piece of plastic.

I have an email exchange with the manager at this complex as well. I have also tried to contact the corporate office.

Is there anything that can be done about this?


Asked on 8/24/11, 8:47 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Glen Ashman Ashman Law Office also dba Glen Ashman Attorney

That depends on the exact wording of the lease. Given all the bargains around town with all the vacant rentals, a better option than legal ones would be to move at the end of your lease.

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Answered on 8/24/11, 6:50 pm


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