GeorgiaLegalAid.org (Eviction & Legal Help)
Last updated August 2026
Georgia evictions move fast, but tenants have more rights than the speed suggests. For unpaid rent, the landlord must now give 3 days' written notice to pay or leave before filing. After you are served the dispossessory summons, you have 7 days to answer, extended past weekends and holidays. GeorgiaLegalAid.org explains every step free.
Here is the right that saves tenancies: pay and stay. In a nonpayment case, paying ALL rent and costs within 7 days of the summons stops the eviction. The catch: a landlord only has to accept this once per 12 months, so it is a card you play carefully.
Lose in court? The appeal window is 7 days. And self-help evictions are illegal: without a court order, a landlord cannot change locks, force you out, or shut off utilities.
GeorgiaLegalAid.org is a joint project of Atlanta Legal Aid and the Georgia Legal Services Program, with plain-language guides, self-help forms, and the LAVA chatbot. Free lawyers split by geography: metro Atlanta's five counties go to Atlanta Legal Aid; the other 154 counties call GLSP at 1-833-457-7529 (1-833-GLSPLAW).
GLSP generally serves incomes up to 200 percent of the poverty line, and people 60 and older qualify regardless of income in most counties; older articles quoting 125 percent are out of date. Volunteer attorneys also answer posted questions free at georgia.freelegalanswers.org. Behind on rent? Dial 2-1-1 about rent funds while the case proceeds.
Help available in English and Spanish.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- The information, forms, and videos are free for everyone
- Atlanta Legal Aid and Georgia Legal Services Program cases are generally income-based; each program screens you
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Got a notice? Count the 3 days; for nonpayment the landlord must demand payment in writing before filing.
- 2
Served a dispossessory summons? You have 7 days to answer, extended past weekends and holidays. File the answer; silence means default.
- 3
Behind on rent only? Consider pay and stay: all rent and costs within 7 days of the summons stops the case, but landlords only must accept it once per 12 months.
- 4
Get free help: metro Atlanta (Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett) calls Atlanta Legal Aid; everywhere else calls GLSP at 1-833-457-7529.
- 5
60 or older? Say so; GLSP serves seniors regardless of income in most counties.
- 6
If you lose, count 7 days to appeal, and dial 2-1-1 about rent funds meanwhile.
What the application looks like
Common questions
How much notice does a Georgia eviction take?
For nonpayment, 3 days' written notice to pay or vacate before the landlord can file. Then a dispossessory summons, which gives you 7 days to answer.
Can paying the rent stop my eviction?
Yes, once a year: paying all rent and costs within 7 days of the summons stops a nonpayment eviction, but a landlord only has to accept it once per 12 months.
How long do I have to answer or appeal?
7 days to answer the summons (extended past weekends and holidays), and 7 days to appeal a judgment.
Can my landlord lock me out or cut utilities?
No. Without a court order, lock changes, forced move-outs, and utility shut-offs are illegal self-help evictions.
How do I get a free lawyer in Georgia?
Metro Atlanta's five counties: Atlanta Legal Aid. The other 154 counties: GLSP at 1-833-457-7529, serving incomes to about 200 percent of poverty, and seniors 60+ regardless of income in most counties.
Is GeorgiaLegalAid.org free?
Yes: guides, self-help forms, and the LAVA chatbot, run jointly by Atlanta Legal Aid and GLSP. Volunteer attorneys also answer posted questions at georgia.freelegalanswers.org.
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