A family I consulted recently had to move to Arizona due to the husband's job transfer. They were unsure whether to sell their home in Augusta or rent it out, and ultimately decided to go with renting. Since it was a sudden decision, they had to prepare everything from rent pricing to contracts and finding tenants from scratch. It's common to see cases where people leave their homes for another state and rent them out, and it's not as difficult as it seems once you know the steps.

The first thing to determine is the rent price. According to Zumper, the average rent in Augusta is $1,300 per month. RentCafe reported an average of $1,226 during the same period. This is significantly lower than the national average, making Augusta an attractive area for investors looking for rental yield. However, prices can vary greatly depending on school districts and proximity to golf courses, so it's best to compare several listings with similar conditions to get an accurate picture.

Once you've set the rent price, it's time to post your advertisement. It's advisable to list photos and details on sites like Zillow or Apartments.com, and when inquiries come in, it's better to meet in person to show the house rather than just communicating by phone or text. Skipping the screening process can lead to much bigger issues later on.

• Credit check results
• Recent pay stubs or employment verification
• Rental history from previous landlords
• Background check consent form if necessary

Many landlords use the guideline that income should be about three times the rent. Rather than relying solely on this one criterion, it's actually more stable to consider credit and previous rental history together.

The photos in your advertisement can significantly affect the number of inquiries you receive. It's good to take pictures during the day and clearly state the number of bedrooms and who is responsible for yard maintenance. If you charge an application fee, it's reasonable to set it at the level of the actual costs for credit and background checks.

The lease agreement should clearly outline the rent amount, payment due date, security deposit amount, maintenance responsibilities, lease term, and renewal conditions. In Georgia, the Safe at Home Act limits security deposits to two months' rent. After a tenant moves out, the landlord must return the security deposit or provide a written notice of deductions within 30 days, or they lose the right to make deductions. If it's confirmed that the landlord wrongfully withheld the deposit, they could be liable for three times the amount.

If rent is overdue, a written notice must be sent within three business days. If the issue is not resolved, the next step is to file a dispossessory action in the county magistrate court. Following the procedure rather than pushing emotionally is ultimately the faster route.

Just because the dispossessory process has started doesn't mean the house will be vacated immediately. The tenant has seven days to respond to the court after receiving the notice, and once the response is filed, a hearing usually takes place within 10 to 30 days. During this time, rent will continue to be overdue, so thorough screening from the start is beneficial in the long run.

Before the tenant moves in, it's advisable to document the condition of the house inside and out with photos and conduct a walkthrough with the tenant. For single-family homes with yards like those in Augusta, clarifying lawn maintenance responsibilities in advance can reduce disputes later on.

It's also wise to check your landlord insurance ahead of time. Regular homeowners insurance may not cover accidents or liability issues caused by tenants, so many landlords look into separate rental property insurance. As the lease term comes to an end, notifying the tenant in advance about renewal and any rent adjustments makes planning easier for both parties.

In the past, many people would leave their homes in the care of friends when moving to another state, often neglecting management. Now, with online screening and electronic signature contracts available, there are many more ways to manage properties even from a distance. This article is intended to provide general information, and it's advisable to consult a real estate professional or attorney for details before entering into any contracts.