Bartow County, GA Rental Inspections: Tenant Complaint Process (2026)

Bartow County Code § 18-558 sets the complaint and inspection process for a dwelling, building, structure, or property, including rental housing, believed to be unfit for human habitation, vacant and tied to drug crimes, an endangerment to public health or safety, or otherwise a public nuisance under § 18-556. Although § 18-558(a)'s complaint-standing clause refers to residents 'of the incorporated area of Bartow County,' the article's stated scope under § 18-553(b) covers both residential and non-residential property within the unincorporated area, where this county government's Code applies.

A request can be filed by a public authority, such as a housing, health, fire, or building official, or by a petition of at least five residents; the code enforcement officer also investigates on his own information. Once filed, the code enforcement officer inspects the property, and if the investigation supports the complaint, may issue a complaint in rem against the property, filed in magistrate court or Bartow Superior Court. A summons and complaint go to all interested parties, including the owner, mortgagees of record, and anyone in possession of the property such as a tenant, and a hearing must be held between 15 and 45 days after filing.

Interested parties, which the article defines to include persons in possession of the property, can answer the complaint and appear in person or through an attorney to offer testimony at the hearing before the court decides whether to order repair or demolition.