My question involves landlord-tenant law in the State of: Georgia
This has turned into the biggest nightmare and I need anyone's suggestions. Back in March of this year, my roommate moved out of my apartment. She and I both tried to have her released from the lease agreement, but there was no such luck since the property would not qualify me for the apartment on my own. After she moved out, a friend of mine temporarily moved in to help me out with some bills. Let me make it clear, we did not let the leasing office know this. I did not realize what trouble this would cause because he simply stayed on my couch and helped me pay the rent until I could either find another roommate or figure out another option. When the notification was sent to me about renewing the lease, the renewal rate was $960. I immediately contacted the leasing office and asked them if they would rent to me for another year for $880. I was told they would get back to me. As of my 60 day notice, I had not heard from them. I called the next day, and everyday for the next 10 days. No one would return my calls regarding the renewal rate. Finally, 19 days after I was supposed to turn in my 60 days notice, I was contacted by the assistant manager who asked to meet with me. I went to her office and she and the property manager shut the door and bum rushed me because I was in violation of my lease. It had been brought to their attention that my friend was staying with me. They proceeded to label me a "bad resident" and told me that I had to have my friend fill out an application, pay a fee, and be added to the lease. He had no desire to do this because like I mentioned before this was temporary for him. I explained to them that I was in the process of looking for a new roommate, but this made no difference to them. My friend had to do the application or else I had to be out on 5/31/08. I turned in my notice to vacate later that afternoon.
So... here are the main points-
1. Once my roommate moved out, I was not able to qualify for the apartment on my own.
2. I wanted to stay there, but they would not contact me about an adjusted renewal rate.
3. When I was finally contacted, it was 19 days after I was supposed to give my sixty day notice.
4. They told me I was in violation of the lease because someone was living there whose name was not on the lease, so either he had to fill out an application or I had to be out on 05/31/08.
5. Now, they have sent me a bill with a prorated rent of the market rate for the 19 days "late" that I turned in my intent to vacate. It is almost $800.
What can I do? What are my rights?![]()

