Smyrna, GA Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)

Section 18-12 adopts the International Property Maintenance Code published by the International Code Council, with Smyrna amendments that supersede the model text. Amended section 101.1 titles it the Property Maintenance Code of the City of Smyrna and keeps a copy on file at the Community Development Department. Section 101.3 requires existing structures that fail the code to be altered or repaired to a minimum level of health and safety. Section 103.1 puts enforcement in the hands of the Community Development Director and the Fire Chief or their designees.

Rental owners face specific standards. Section 602.3 requires every owner and operator who rents, leases or lets a dwelling unit, rooming unit, dormitory or guestroom to supply heat from October 1 to May 1 at not less than 65° F (18° C) in habitable rooms, bathrooms, and toilet rooms. Section 303.14 requires screens on all exterior openable windows and doors used or required for ventilation in dwelling units without central air conditioning, with an exception where air curtains or insect repellent fans are employed. Section 302.4 keeps premises free of weeds or plant growth in excess of 8 inches, and section 307.4 requires dumpsters to be emptied on a routine basis and kept free from graffiti.

The added definition of family is one or more related persons or three or less unrelated persons living as a single housekeeping unit. Section 18-8 separately adopts the Standard Housing Code as adopted by the state, aimed principally at the use, occupancy and maintenance of existing residential buildings. A notice of violation must be in writing, describe the real estate, state the violation, give a correction order with reasonable time, and inform the owner of the right to appeal (section 107.2). Appeals go to the license and variance board on a written application filed within 10 days (section 111.1).