Court of Appeals Decision Creates Dangerous Loophole, Threatening Tenants’ Rights

Court of Appeals Decision Creates Dangerous Loophole, Threatening Tenants’ Rights

To Whom It May Concern:

As an advocate for equity and justice, I am deeply concerned about the recent developments impacting Georgia tenants, particularly those living in vulnerable conditions. The Georgia Legislature established inalienable tenant rights under Georgia Code Title 44, Chapter 7, to protect families from predatory practices by unscrupulous landlords. However, a recent decision by the Court of Appeals threatens to dismantle these protections by creating a dangerous loophole that undermines tenants’ access to justice.

This issue is personal because it concerns the dignity and safety of hardworking Georgia families who deserve fair treatment and livable housing. The case of Sneed v. Place at Midway, LLC represents more than a legal dispute—it’s a direct attack on the ability of tenants to hold landlords accountable for unsanitary and unsafe living conditions. Without intervention from the Georgia Supreme Court, thousands of families may lose their right to enforce these critical protections.

Below, I’ve included a detailed account of the situation from, Attorney Carson Jeffries, which I hope sheds light on the urgent need for public awareness and action.

Montina Young Fraiser, Small Business & Community Advocate

Below is the full details from Attorney Carson Jeffries:

To protect vulnerable Georgia tenants and families from unscrupulous slumlords the Georgia Legislature created a bill of “inalienable tenant’s rights” under Georgia Code Title 44, Chapter 7 that cannot be waived by sneaky fine print in lease agreements! The Supreme Court has repeatedly found in favor of this law and struck down complicated lease provisions attempting to deny tenants their rights and access to the Courts. In support of slumlords and insurance carriers, however, the Court of Appeals has issued a rogue opinion and created a loophole allowing landlords to include a lease provision that denies tenants adequate time to actually sue landlords before those rights expire, denying them the ability to actually enforce their rights! The case is Sneed v. Place at Midway, LLC, and unless the Supreme Court agrees to hear the case, it means that thousands of Georgia families will, in essence, have no access to Courts or way to fight landlords when placed in unsanitary and dangerous housing!

Attorney Jeffries is available for an interview if you’d like more information –

CARSON L. JEFFRIES
Partner
cjeffries@moldfirm.com
(404) 341-6653
47 Perimeter Center East
Suite 530
Atlanta, GA 30346