Safe At Home Act: Legislative Recap
In the 2024 legislative session, the General Assembly passed the “Safe at Home Act,” also known as House Bill 404. It protects tenants by holding landlords accountable, so they keep up their end of the bargain and ensure tenants’ living conditions are safe. It went into effect on July 1, 2024. Here’s what you need to know:
Implication:
Tenants and renters can now assert their rights more effectively, leading to improved living standards and equitable treatment.
The Specifics:
It requires that rental housing is “fit for human habitation.” This means that your landlord must ensure the property is free of mold, has working smoke detectors, and meets basic safety standards.
It obliges landlords to conduct maintenance and other necessary tasks to ensure the property is in “repair.”
It allows tenants to sue their landlord for failing to keep the property safe and protects tenants from retaliation.
It caps security deposits at no more than two months' rent, making housing more accessible and affordable for prospective tenants.
It requires landlords to provide at least a three-day notice before filing for eviction due to non-payment of rent or nonrenewal of a lease agreement.
Resources:
Legal aid groups can help you protect your rights as a tenant and, if necessary, sue under House Bill 404. A list of such groups can be found here and below.
Atlanta/Fulton County — (404) 524-5811
South Fulton/Clayton Counties — (404) 669-0233
Cobb County — (770) 528-2565
DeKalb County — (404) 377-0701
Gwinnett County — (678) 376-4545
Outside the Metro Area — 1-833-GLSPLAW | (1-833-457-7529)
The Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia can help you navigate your rights as a tenant and connect you to resources. Contact it at 1-888-457-4769 or fill out the form here.
Advocacy:
The Georgia Appleseed Center for Law & Justice founded the Georgia Healthy Housing Coalition to advocate for policies that ensure families have safe housing. If you’re interested in aiding its mission, visit their website and help make safe housing a reality through advocacy.
Written by: Jacob “Jake” Hays, HMHBGA Policy intern