Guide · rent · deposit · termination · tax
Tenant and Landlord Rights in Georgia — Renting Under the Law
The rules of a lease under the Georgian Civil Code: written form, the deposit cap, termination notice, repair duties and the landlord’s tax — on one page.
Tenant rights and protections
Written form
A lease is done in writing: parties, term, rent, deposit, the utilities rule. An oral agreement cannot be proven in a dispute — the template fills in minutes.
Deposit up to two months
Under the Civil Code the landlord may not demand security exceeding two months’ rent. The refund rules and deadline go into the contract.
Condition and repairs
Necessary repairs are the landlord’s duty by law unless the contract says otherwise. Write down which works belong to whom and on what timeline.
Rent increases during the term
In a fixed-term contract a unilateral increase does not operate — changes need both parties’ consent or renewal. Agree the increase rule upfront.
Subletting
Handing the flat to someone else (subletting) requires the landlord’s consent — without it, the agreement is breached.
Before you move in
Check the outstanding utility balance and record the meter readings in the handover act — old debts do not transfer to the new tenant.
Landlord rights and duties
Termination and notice
An indefinite-term lease ends with three months’ prior notice. In a fixed-term lease the exit terms are set by the contract — write them for both sides.
Rental income tax — 5%
An individual pays 5% on rent under the registered residential-rental regime (instead of the standard 20%) and declares the income annually.
Deductions from the deposit
Covering the tenant’s obligations from the deposit is possible only in the cases written into the contract — with receipts and an itemised deduction. An unexplained withholding invites a dispute.
Entering the flat
The landlord needs the tenant’s agreement to enter — write down the notice rule and deadline (for example, 24–48 hours).
Disputes
Rent disputes go to the common courts. The contract, payment receipts and correspondence win cases — never skip the written form.
Frequently asked questions
How much deposit can be demanded?
Under the Civil Code, no more than two months’ rent. The refund rules and deadline are written into the contract.
Can the rent be raised mid-term?
Not unilaterally in a fixed-term contract. Changes need both parties’ consent; agreeing the increase rule upfront makes renewals frictionless.
How does an indefinite lease end?
With three months’ prior notice. For fixed terms the contract sets the exit terms — writing them symmetrically for both sides is sound practice.
What tax does a landlord pay?
An individual pays 5% under the registered residential-rental regime and declares annually. The tax calculator computes it.
Does an old utility debt transfer?
No. The outstanding balance stays with the owner — that is why balances and meter readings go into the handover act.
Protect the rent before it starts
A fillable lease template, the scam guide and the rental market — in one place.