What are the rules regarding eviction?

In Georgia, a landlord has the right to evict a tenant if the tenant violates the terms of the lease agreement or does not pay their rent on time. To initiate an eviction, the landlord must first provide written notice to the tenant that states the reason for the eviction and specifies when the tenant must vacate the property. If the tenant does not leave the property within the specified period of time, the landlord can then file an eviction case in the local magistrate court. The landlord must prove the tenant is in violation of the lease agreement or has not paid rent. The court will then issue an Order of Possession that the sheriff will serve to the tenant, typically within 48 hours. The tenant then has seven days to vacate the property or file an answer with the court. Depending on the type of lease agreement, the tenant may also be able to present evidence why they should not be evicted. If the court determines that the tenant has violated the agreement, the tenant must leave the property within the seven days, or the landlord can request a writ of possession from the court. Once the writ is issued, the sheriff will remove the tenant from the property, and the landlord will be able to take possession. If the tenant fails to move out, the landlord can request a monetary judgment that covers outstanding rent as well as court costs and attorney fees.

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