Atlanta · Georgia A Reference Publication · Established 2026
The Georgia Dispossessory Reference
Practice · Procedure · Perspective
Reference Toolkit

Checklists.

Four printable, action-oriented checklists: tenant urgent response, landlord pre-filing, court preparation, and attorney consultation. Each is designed to fit on a single page and be used as a working document.

Return to Overview
01 · Tenant

Urgent Response

  • Confirm the date and method of service (in-person or tack-and-mail).
  • Count seven days from service. Write the deadline on a calendar.
  • Review the summons for the filing court, case number, and filing date.
  • Verify the landlord named is the landlord on your lease.
  • Gather the lease, addenda, renewals, and any written notices.
  • Pull payment records (bank statements, money orders, receipts).
  • Document habitability issues with dated photographs and written requests.
  • Prepare a one-page chronology of events, in order.
  • File an answer with the Magistrate Court before the seven-day deadline.
  • If required by order, pay ongoing rent into the court registry.
  • Plan to appear at the hearing. Do not miss it.
  • Ask about motion-to-seal and record consequences before accepting any resolution.
02 · Landlord

Pre-Filing

  • Confirm that you (or the entity) hold title and are the proper plaintiff.
  • Review the lease to confirm the ground for filing (nonpayment, holdover, breach).
  • Reconcile the rent ledger down to the dollar.
  • Issue a written demand for possession. Document delivery.
  • Wait a reasonable period for the tenant to vacate or cure.
  • Prepare the dispossessory affidavit with accurate parties and premises.
  • Determine whether personal service is achievable (needed for money judgment).
  • Retain all written communications with the tenant.
  • Confirm that no self-help actions have been taken (locks, utilities, belongings).
  • Budget for specialist counsel before, not after, a contested hearing.
  • Consider cash-for-keys cost against the full cost of a contested dispossessory.
  • Confirm the entity holding title is the named plaintiff on the affidavit.
  • File in the correct county Magistrate Court.
  • Prepare a collection plan separate from the possession action.
03 · Both parties

Court Preparation

  • Bring the lease, addenda, and renewals.
  • Bring all written notices and proof of delivery.
  • Bring the rent ledger and payment records.
  • Bring dated photographs for any habitability issue in dispute.
  • Bring a one-page chronology, bullet-pointed, with dates.
  • Know the procedural question in dispute, in one sentence.
  • Know the substantive question in dispute, in one sentence.
  • Prepare concise factual statements. No speeches.
  • Arrive at least 30 minutes early. Docket calls start on time.
  • Dress for court. Turn phones off.
  • Understand the range of possible outcomes before entering.
  • Know the seven-day appeal window before the hearing ends.
04 · Consultation

Attorney Worksheet

  • What happened, in sequence, and on what dates?
  • Who is the landlord of record? Who signed the lease?
  • Was a demand for possession made? How was it delivered?
  • How was the summons served? Personally, or tack-and-mail?
  • What is the seven-day answer deadline, by date?
  • What procedural defenses appear available?
  • What substantive defenses or counterclaims appear available?
  • What evidence supports the above, and where is it?
  • What is the fastest low-risk next step in this week?
  • What outcomes are realistic at hearing?
  • What record consequences should we plan for?
  • What is the scope and cost of representation?

These checklists summarize common decision points in Georgia dispossessory matters. They are not exhaustive and do not replace legal advice on specific facts.

Educational publication. This material is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Georgia landlord-tenant law and court procedure change; any reader facing a pending matter should consult qualified Georgia counsel before acting.