What To Do the Moment You Receive an Eviction Notice in Georgia

1. Understand What Type of Notice You Received

Not all eviction notices are the same. In Georgia, you may receive:

• Demand for Possession (Pay or Quit)
• Notice to Vacate
• Notice of Non-Renewal
• Lease Violation Notice

Each one has different implications.

Do not assume the date on the notice is your final deadline.

Landlords cannot remove you without a full court process.

2. Do NOT Leave Your Home

Leaving voluntarily closes doors that could have protected you. Unless a judge signs a writ of possession, you are not legally forced to move.

Staying in place keeps:

• ✔ Your rights
• ✔ Your negotiation power
• ✔ Your ability to delay the timeline

3. Wait for the Official Court Filing — That's Where Your Real Power Starts

A notice is not an eviction.

The landlord must file in court to start the legal process.

This is where tenants usually lose time by reacting emotionally instead of strategically.

Once the court filing appears:

• You get a case number
• You can challenge errors
• You can request more time
• You can ask for a hearing
• You can file a response
• You can seek continuances

This is where Tenant Defense Lab specializes — helping you slow everything down.

4. Gather Your Documents Immediately

Before you speak to anyone, gather:

• Your lease
• Payment receipts
• Notices
• Emails or texts from the landlord
• Any repair complaints
• Any court paperwork

Being organized can win you weeks — even months.

5. Respond On Time (This Alone Can Buy You 30–60 Days)

Most tenants lose because they miss response deadlines. Georgia courts often allow:

• 7 days to respond
• 10+ days before your hearing
• Additional time if you request a continuance properly

A single, strategic response buys breathing room, and breathing room buys options.

6. Explore Emergency Extension Strategies

These include:

• Asking for a continuance
• Filing for more time due to hardship
• Showing repair or billing disputes
• Documenting miscommunication
• Asking the court for mediation

These are not loopholes — they are legal procedural rights most tenants don't know about.

7. Talk to a Consultant Before You Talk to Your Landlord

Landlords know this process. Tenants usually don't.

One wrong statement like:

• "I'll move out soon…"
• "I'm trying my best…"

…can work against you in court.

Get guidance first.

Speak from a place of clarity, not fear.