Georgia Preempts All Local Rent Control Ordinances

O.C.G.A. § 44-7-19 prohibits local governments from enacting, maintaining, or enforcing any ordinance or resolution that controls the amount of rent charged for leasing private residential or commercial property. The preemption applies regardless of whether the property is single-family, multifamily, or commercial. The only exception is for property owned by the local government itself or financed through certain public housing programs. Atlanta, Savannah, and other cities cannot impose rent caps under this statute.

Any local rent control ordinance is void as a matter of law and unenforceable. Landlords may challenge such ordinances in court and recover attorneys' fees in some preemption suits.