Housing Code Guide for Atlanta

Why Do We Need Housing Codes?

City and county housing codes help keep communities in safe and sanitary condition. The housing code sets the rules of basic upkeep and care for decent housing. These rules help to take care of problems that may cause unsafe or unhealthy conditions.

The code applies to all housing in your city or county. You can use the housing code to complain about bad housing conditions and other area problems.

The housing code in your area may have one set of rules for rental housing and another one for owner-occupied housing. Owner-occupied housing means that person who owns the house lives in it.

The rules for rental housing apply to public and private housing. They also apply to Section 8 and other government housing. The tenants or owner can make a complaint or ask for an inspection with the local housing code office.

When violations are found, the city or county gives the owner notice. The owner is then given a certain amount of time to fix the problem. If the owner does not fix the problem, the city or county can take legal action. This means they can bring criminal charges against the landlord or owner.

The Atlanta Legal Aid Society can help with problems with your local housing code or housing code inspectors. The rules are spelled out in the housing code for your area.

You can make a complaint and ask for an inspection. Get in touch with your local housing code office. You can do this in person or by phone. However, it is best to do this in writing.

Renters should tell the landlord about bad conditions before making a complaint. Give the landlord a reasonable amount of time to fix the problem. If this does not work, call your local housing code office. Ask for an inspection. An inspector will come out to look at the property. Your complaint will be kept on file.

If there is danger - like gas leaks or frayed electrical wires - call your local Fire Marshal. Do this at once.

A nuisance is a problem that makes the neighborhood unattractive or unsafe. Some examples are abandoned buildings and cars; weak walls or fences; holes in the street or ground; and garbage.

You can ask the city or county to take quick action to get rid of the nuisance. Complaints about a nuisance can be in writing or by phone. Make these complaints to your city or county housing code office.

If a nuisance is on the property, the owner must fix it within a certain amount of time. If the problem is not fixed, the owner can be fined or sent to jail. In some cases a court can order the city or county to fix the problem.

Some housing codes have special rules for vacant buildings and lots. Vacant buildings must be boarded up. They must also be kept in decent and safe condition. If someone complains, the city or county can inspect the building very quickly. This depends on the rules of your housing code.

If the housing inspector finds that a vacant building is a health or safety threat to people in the community, the owner will get a notice. The owner is given a certain amount of time to fix the problems. If the building cannot be fixed, the owner must board it up or tear it down.

Vacant lots also should be secured and kept clean. Not all housing codes have rules for vacant lots. Check with your local housing office. If they do not handle complaints about vacant lots, ask them who does.

Housing codes help keep neighborhoods sake and attractive. Renters and homeowners can use them to fix bad housing and health or safety threats. Complaints can be made by phone, in person, or by letter to your local housing code office. You can also ask for an inspection.

Remember, when you make a complaint or ask for an inspection, the city or county should respond within a certain amount of time. These time limits vary for each county and city. Check the housing code in your area for these time limits. This brochure contains a list of city and county housing code office phone numbers.

If you cannot solve your problem by working with your local housing code office, call the Atlanta Legal Aid Society office nearest you. If you meet client eligibility requirements, they may be able to help you.