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Bill

HB 1007

Essential Services for Renters Act; enact

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Eric Bell and 5 co-sponsors

Georgia bill requiring landlords to maintain essential utilities and services in rentals, establishing tenant protections and remedies for service failures.

House Second Readers
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Bill Summary · HB 1007

Legislative bill overview

HB 1007, the Essential Services for Renters Act, establishes protections requiring landlords to maintain essential utilities and services in rental properties. The bill appears designed to ensure tenants have access to basic necessities like water, electricity, heating, and cooling, with provisions for tenant remedies when landlords fail to provide these services.

Why is this important

Lack of essential services in rental housing creates serious health and safety hazards for vulnerable populations, including families with children and low-income renters who may lack resources to pursue legal remedies independently. Clear statutory standards could reduce disputes, establish enforceability mechanisms, and prevent landlords from using service shutoffs as retaliatory tactics or pressure tactics during disputes.

Potential points of contention

  • Landlord cost burden: Requirements to maintain all essential services may increase operating costs, potentially leading to higher rents or reduced investment in rental properties
  • Definition scope: The bill's specific definition of "essential services" could be contentious—whether it includes internet, air conditioning in all climates, or other utilities beyond basic water/electricity
  • Enforcement mechanisms: Disagreement likely over whether tenants can withhold rent, repair-and-deduct costs, or require immediate landlord action, and what penalties apply to non-compliant landlords

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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