Teague & Chambless, LLLP is experienced in representing both commercial and residential landlords and tenants in disputes that arise in the context of the landlord tenant relationship. Landlord and tenant relationships can create disputes regarding who is responsible for burst pipes, common area maintenance, roof repairs, maintenance of hot water heaters, electrical issues, heating and air conditioning maintenance, and many other issues including rights to privacy.
Sometimes landlords will act in ways that violate the personal space and rights of the tenant, or will fail or refuse to conduct a variety of maintenance. Many of these issues can resolved by reading the lease or in some instances by resort to an insurance policy.
From the landlord's perspective, the most important obligation a tenant can fulfill is the obligation to pay rent and common area maintenance (CAM) expenses on time. Tenants, on the other hand, are focused on maintenance and liability issues.
The law regarding these disputes in Georgia can be complicated and sometimes consultation with an attorney is necessary. Teague & Chambless, LLLP has represented landlords in cases where commercial tenants continually pay late or fail to pay amounts due and has filed many dispossessory proceedings in the Forsyth County Magistrate Court for commercial tenants.
Teague & Chambless, LLLP has represented tenants in cases where landlords fail to pay mortgage payments leading to a foreclosure and eviction of tenants. The latter occurrence constitutes a tort in Georgia that may give rise to an award of punitive damages.
This firm has also represented tenants when a landlord cuts off water or other utilities, which is a crime in Georgia.
A dispossessory proceeding is a type of case that is filed most commonly in Magistrate Courts in Georgia since Magistrate Courts have expansive jurisdiction over landlord tenant disputes. The law in Georgia permits expedited proceedings to dispossess a tenant who has failed to pay rent.
