Many people find the lease agreement daunting. One family that first rented out their home in Duluth felt the same way. They set the rent but didn't know where to find a lease template. After using a free template from the internet, they had to revise it because it didn't comply with Georgia regulations. Going through the steps one by one isn't difficult.

First, the rent. The average rent in Duluth is $1,658 per month according to RentCafe. Zumper reported a higher average of $1,995 for the same month in April. Duluth has a steady demand due to its school districts, so there can be significant variation in listings. It's best to compare several listings with similar school districts and bedroom counts to get a sense of the actual market rate.

The next question is where to find tenants. You can post photos and details on Zillow or Apartments.com. When inquiries come in, don't rush to sign a lease; start with screening first.

• Check credit score
• Request proof of income
• Verify rental history
• Obtain consent for background check

It's common to use a guideline of having an income that is about three times the rent. They don't just look at the credit score; they consider income and rental history together.

When you receive applications, you can charge an application fee. This fee should be set at a level that covers the costs of credit and background checks. It shouldn't be excessively high. Be sure to keep a receipt.

Photos are also important. Upload several bright photos taken during the day. Clearly state the number of bedrooms and whether pets are allowed. If you charge an application fee, it should be set at the level of the actual costs for credit checks.

Now it's time for the lease agreement. Clearly outline the rent amount, due date, security deposit amount, pet policies, and maintenance responsibilities. Verbal agreements won't hold up later. Georgia law sets the maximum security deposit at two months' rent. This is in accordance with the Safe at Home Act, which will take effect in July 2024. You must return the deposit or send a written notice of deductions within 30 days after the tenant moves out. If you miss this deadline, you lose the right to make deductions. If it's determined that you wrongfully withheld the deposit, you could be liable for three times the amount.

What happens if the rent is late? You first send a notice within three business days. If that doesn't resolve the issue, you can file for dispossessory proceedings in the county magistrate court. There's a set process, so there's no need to respond emotionally.

After filing for dispossessory, the house won't be vacated immediately. The tenant has seven days to respond to the court after receiving the notice. Once the response is filed, a hearing usually takes place within 10 to 30 days. During this time, rent continues to accumulate.

Before the tenant moves in, take photos of the home's condition. Conduct a walkthrough with the tenant. Distinguish between normal wear and tear and damages in advance. This will make the security deposit settlement much easier later. Keep the photo files with the date intact.

Check the insurance as well. Homeowner's insurance and rental insurance are different. Notify the insurance company before the tenant moves in. As the lease nears its end, decide on renewal in advance. Discuss any rent adjustments at this time as well.

Many landlords include renter's insurance as a lease requirement. The landlord's insurance does not cover the tenant's personal belongings. Including this clause in advance reduces disputes over liability later. Both the landlord and tenant should keep a copy of the lease agreement. Be sure to include the date of signing.

Don't limit your advertising to just one site. Posting on Zillow, Apartments.com, and local community boards will bring in inquiries more quickly.

Although the lease may seem overwhelming, filling it out item by item will make it quick. The parts that are easy to overlook are the maintenance responsibilities and how to handle early termination. Clarifying these two points can reduce disputes by half. This article is intended to provide general information, and it's advisable to consult a real estate professional or attorney before finalizing any agreements.