{"id":8180,"date":"2023-05-01T21:13:00","date_gmt":"2023-05-01T21:13:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/veloxinsurance.com\/?p=8180"},"modified":"2023-10-31T21:35:58","modified_gmt":"2023-10-31T21:35:58","slug":"damage-your-georgia-apartment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/veloxinsurance.com\/blog\/damage-your-georgia-apartment\/","title":{"rendered":"What To Do If You Damage Your Apartment: A Guide for Georgian Renters"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you damage your apartment in Georgia, your landlord will generally hold you responsible for the cost of any needed repairs. The specific steps you should take depends on the extent of the damage and the terms of your lease agreement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Renters insurance<\/a> can provide liability protection against certain types of issues, including coverage for vandalism, fire, and burglaries. However, it usually doesn’t protect against damage you personally cause. Read on to learn what steps you can take if you damage your apartment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Assess the Damage <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before taking any action, assess the extent of the issue. For minor problems such as a small hole in the wall, consider repairing it yourself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For considerable damage, such as flooding<\/a> or broken windows, you should contact your landlord or property management company immediately. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your lease may also have special instructions for certain types of damage. Make sure to follow those provisions if possible to avoid additional liability. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Record the Damage and Notify Your Landlord <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Take photos or videos of the damage and keep any receipts or repair estimates. This documentation will be useful in case of any disputes or disagreements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regardless of the severity of the damage, it’s important to notify your landlord or property management company as soon as possible. This will allow them to assess the damage themselves and determine the best course of action. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep Careful Records of Communication with Your Landlord <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You should keep all communications with your landlord saved to a cloud directory or in another secure location. These records should include the exact text of your communications, the times at which they were sent, and other pertinent details. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you do go to court, having these records will help you to support your side of the argument with actual evidence. Georgia is a one-party consent recording state, which means that you can also keep an audio record of any phone calls with your landlord. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You should save these records in the same way as written records, including the dates and times they occurred. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consider Repairing Minor Damage <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If the damage is minor and you’re comfortable doing so, you may be able to repair it yourself. If the damage is significant or requires specialized expertise, you should hire a professional to do the repairs. Be sure to keep any receipts or invoices for the repairs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Calculate What You Owe <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you caused the damage by your negligence or intentional action, you’d generally be responsible for paying for the repairs. Your landlord may deduct the cost of the repairs from your security deposit or bill you separately. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You should also ask your landlord for an itemized bill of the expenses they believe they will incur from repairing the damage. You can use this itemized list if you encounter a dispute with the property owner. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your own belongings were damaged due to factors outside your control, your renters insurance policy might cover their cash value<\/a>, although most likely not if the property was damaged intentionally or through your neglect. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Discuss Disagreements with Your Landlord <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you and your landlord disagree on who’s responsible for the damage or the cost of repairs, you may need to discuss the issue further or seek legal advice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that it’s always better to be proactive and communicate with your landlord or property management company as soon as possible. By working together, you can find a solution that works for everyone involved. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Review Your Rights as a Tenant in Georgia <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As a resident of Georgia, you have tenant rights, including: <\/p>\n\n\n\n