FHG Property Management - FHG Realty Group

09/03/2026

🏠 ASK THE PROPERTY MANAGER

Renting vs. Buying: Which Is Better for You?

People often say, “Renting is throwing money away,” but the truth is more complicated. Renting and buying both involve costs, benefits, and tradeoffs. The right choice depends on your finances, lifestyle, housing needs, and future plans.

🔑 The Hidden Costs of Renting

Your monthly rent may not be your only expense. Depending on the property and lease, renters may also pay application fees, security deposits, pet-related charges, renters insurance, utilities, and other disclosed fees. Rent may also change when a lease expires or renews, subject to the lease and applicable law.

Renting generally does not create ownership equity. However, it may provide fewer direct maintenance responsibilities because the property owner is typically responsible for maintaining the premises as required by the lease and applicable law. Renters may still be responsible for certain upkeep, damage, or maintenance specifically assigned to them under the lease.

🏡 The Hidden Costs of Buying

A mortgage payment is only part of the cost of homeownership. Buyers should also consider potential closing costs, property taxes, homeowners insurance, mortgage insurance when applicable, HOA fees, maintenance, repairs, and the eventual replacement of major systems such as the roof or HVAC equipment.

Homeownership may allow an owner to build equity over time, but property values can rise or fall. Appreciation, future resale value, and financial gain are never guaranteed. Selling a home may also involve commissions, closing expenses, repairs, and other transaction costs.

🔄 Which Offers More Flexibility?

Renting generally makes relocating easier after the lease ends. This may be helpful when employment, family needs, finances, or long-term plans could change.

Buying usually provides greater control over the property, subject to applicable laws, deed restrictions, zoning requirements, and HOA rules. However, selling takes time, and moving shortly after purchasing may make it difficult to recover the original purchasing and selling expenses.

📈 What About the Long-Term Financial Impact?

Buying may provide an opportunity to build equity and benefit from potential appreciation. A fixed-rate mortgage may also keep the principal-and-interest portion of the payment stable, although taxes, insurance, HOA assessments, maintenance costs, and other expenses may change.

Renting does not create ownership equity, but it may provide greater mobility, reduce exposure to major property-repair expenses, and allow savings to be used for other financial priorities. Whether renting or buying produces the better long-term financial result depends on the individual circumstances, local market conditions, ownership period, financing terms, and alternative use of available funds.

✅ The Bottom Line

Buying is not automatically better than renting, and renting is not automatically wasting money. Before deciding, consider:

• How long you expect to remain in the area
• Your savings and emergency reserves
• Your credit, income, and existing obligations
• The complete housing cost—not merely rent or principal and interest
• Your ability and willingness to handle maintenance and repairs
• Your need for flexibility, control, and stability

The best decision is the one that fits your individual circumstances and current season of life.

FHG Property Management supports equal housing opportunity and provides services without regard to race, color, religion, s*x, disability, familial status, national origin, or any other status protected by applicable law.

This information is provided for general educational purposes only. It is not legal, tax, financial, lending, or investment advice and does not create a brokerage or agency relationship. Housing costs, lease terms, financing options, and individual circumstances vary. Consumers should consult appropriately licensed professionals before making housing, lending, tax, or investment decisions. FHG Property Management does not guarantee loan approval, property appreciation, equity growth, savings, or any particular financial outcome.

09/02/2026

A recent survey from Talker Research asked Americans to pick one word to describe how 2026 has felt so far. The winner? Stressful. And honestly, there’s been a lot going on.

09/01/2026

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08/31/2026

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08/30/2026

🏠 ASK THE PROPERTY MANAGER

Does a Landlord Have to Provide Air Conditioning in Georgia?

With Georgia temperatures climbing during the summer, this is an important question for both landlords and tenants.

Georgia's general landlord-tenant rules do not create a blanket requirement that every residential rental property be equipped with air conditioning. However, that doesn't mean a landlord can necessarily ignore a broken air-conditioning system.

According to the Georgia Landlord-Tenant Handbook, residential landlords have a duty to keep rental property in good repair and in a safe and habitable condition. The Handbook specifically states that landlords must keep electric, heating, cooling, and plumbing systems in working order.

So, if air conditioning or a cooling system is supplied as part of the rental property, the landlord generally has a responsibility to maintain the supplied system and address necessary repairs after receiving proper notice.

How quickly must it be repaired? Georgia does not establish one universal deadline for every repair. What constitutes a reasonable amount of time can depend on the seriousness of the condition and the nature of the repair.

Tenants should promptly notify their landlord or property manager when repairs are needed. Written notice is generally best, and tenants should follow the notice requirements contained in their lease.

It's also important to understand that a tenant generally should not simply stop paying rent because an air conditioner or another item needs repair. Georgia law provides specific remedies when a landlord fails to make required repairs, and tenants should understand those remedies before taking action.

⚖️ What About Fair Housing?

Federal Fair Housing laws also apply. Housing providers cannot provide different levels of maintenance or service because of a person's race, color, religion, s*x, familial status, national origin, or disability.

Additionally, if a tenant makes a disability-related request concerning a policy, practice, or service, the Fair Housing Act's reasonable-accommodation requirements may apply. These situations should be evaluated individually rather than dismissed under a blanket policy.

Local building or housing codes, the lease agreement, and requirements applicable to certain federally assisted housing may also create additional obligations.

BOTTOM LINE:
Georgia does not impose a blanket statewide requirement that every rental property have air conditioning. But when a cooling system is provided as part of the rental, the landlord generally has an obligation to keep the supplied system in working order, subject to the lease and applicable law.

This post is provided for general educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Specific circumstances, lease provisions, local ordinances, and housing-program requirements may affect the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants.

08/29/2026

🏠 ASK THE PROPERTY MANAGER

Does HB 399 Force You to Hire a Georgia Property Manager?

Do you own a rental property in the state of Georgia but live out of state? This information may shed some light on how House Bill 399, which became Act 315, may affect you.

Georgia House Bill 399 became Act 315 after being signed by Governor Brian Kemp on May 14, 2025, and became effective July 1, 2025.

The law changed certain requirements affecting out-of-state landlords who own or operate single-family or duplex residential rental property in Georgia.

Under O.C.G.A. § 44-7-25, an out-of-state landlord who owns or operates covered residential rental property must employ a broker licensed under Georgia real-estate law.

🏡 Does the broker have to live in Georgia?

Not necessarily.

The broker may reside either inside or outside Georgia. However, if the broker resides outside Georgia, at least one person must be located within Georgia who is responsible for receiving, coordinating, managing, and responding to tenant communications involving maintenance and other property-related issues.

🏡 Is there a 25-property minimum?

No—not under the final law.

An earlier version of HB 399 contained language applying the requirement to landlords owning or operating 25 or more single-family or duplex residential rental properties. That threshold did not remain in the final legislation that became Act 315.

Therefore, an out-of-state owner should not assume the law doesn't apply simply because he or she owns only one or a few rental properties.

🏡 What if I live in Georgia and manage my own rental?

The new requirement specifically addresses landlords who are not residents of Georgia. It does not impose the same requirement on a Georgia-resident owner simply because that person owns and manages rental property.

🏡 What if I own the property through an LLC?

This is where things can become more complicated.

The law uses the term “landlord,” and how the requirements apply to an LLC, corporation, partnership, trust, or other ownership structure may depend on the particular facts and legal structure involved.

If your Georgia rental property is owned through an LLC or another business entity—especially if the owners or managers live outside Georgia—consulting a qualified Georgia real-estate attorney is a good idea rather than assuming the law does or does not apply.

THE BOTTOM LINE:

HB 399, now Act 315, does not mean every Georgia landlord must hire a property management company IF you live in Georgia.

However, if you're an out-of-state landlord who owns or operates single-family or duplex residential rental property in Georgia, this law may impose requirements concerning the use of a Georgia-licensed real-estate broker and an in-state person responsible for tenant communications when the broker resides outside Georgia.

If you're an out-of-state investor with rental property in Middle Georgia and you're unsure how Act 315 affects you, give us a call.

Professional property management can do more than help you navigate compliance. We can handle tenant communication, leasing, rent collection, inspections, maintenance coordination, and the day-to-day responsibilities that come with protecting your investment.

Disclaimer: This post is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws and individual circumstances can vary, particularly when properties are owned by LLCs, corporations, partnerships, trusts, or other entities. Property owners should consult a qualified Georgia attorney regarding their specific legal obligations.

FHG Property Management, LLC provides professional property management services throughout Middle Georgia. We specialize in leasing, tenant placement, rent collection, inspections, and maintenance coordination. Protecting your investment.

08/28/2026

We’re hiring! 🏡

FHG Property Management is looking for a licensed REALTOR® to join our property management team.

This is a 1099 position with a flexible schedule, consistent compensation opportunities, and the opportunity to continue working your own real estate sales.

If you’re interested or just want to learn more about the position, give me a call or send me an email!

📞 478-217-6178
📧 [email protected]

And please feel free to share with anyone you think may be a good fit! 💜

FHG Property Management, LLC provides professional property management services throughout Middle Georgia. We specialize in leasing, tenant placement, rent collection, inspections, and maintenance coordination. Protecting your investment.

08/28/2026

🏡 ASK THE PROPERTY MANAGER

Why Do most Landlords Require a Credit Check?

When you apply for a rental home, you may wonder why a landlord or property manager wants to check your credit.

A credit or tenant-screening report can be one part of evaluating an applicant's ability and history of meeting financial obligations. Depending on the report and the landlord's established rental criteria, it may provide information about payment history, outstanding debts, collections, and other credit-related information.

Does imperfect credit automatically mean you'll be denied?

Not necessarily.

Landlords and property management companies may establish lawful rental qualification criteria. Credit may be considered along with other lawful factors, such as verifiable income and rental history.

The key is having legitimate screening criteria and applying those criteria consistently and in compliance with applicable Fair Housing and other anti-discrimination laws. Applicants cannot be treated differently because of race, color, religion, s*x, national origin, familial status, disability, or another characteristic protected by applicable law.

Credit and tenant-screening reports are also subject to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). A landlord or property manager must have a legally permissible purpose for obtaining a consumer report.

If information contained in a consumer report contributes to an unfavorable decision—such as denying an application, requiring a co-signer, or requiring different financial terms—the FCRA may require an adverse-action notice explaining certain rights, including how to contact the consumer reporting agency and the applicant's right to dispute inaccurate or incomplete information.

💡 Property Manager Tip: Before paying an application or screening fee, ask for the property's rental qualification criteria. Understanding the requirements beforehand can help you make a more informed decision about applying.

FHG Property Management, LLC

This post is provided for general educational purposes only and is not legal, credit, or financial advice. Rental qualification requirements and individual circumstances may vary. Housing providers should establish and consistently apply lawful screening criteria in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including Fair Housing and consumer-reporting requirements.

08/27/2026

🏠 ASK THE PROPERTY MANAGER

Q: Can my landlord raise my rent during my lease in Georgia?

A: This is a great question, and the answer depends largely on what your lease says and what type of tenancy you have.

According to the Georgia Landlord-Tenant Handbook, if you have a fixed-term lease—for example, a 12-month lease—the landlord generally cannot simply change the rent during that lease term unless the lease itself allows the rent to be increased. The terms of the lease determine whether an increase can occur during the lease and under what circumstances.

If you're a tenant-at-will, which can include certain month-to-month arrangements, Georgia's rules are different. The Georgia Landlord-Tenant Handbook states that the landlord must provide 60 days' notice before a rent increase, after which the tenancy continues at the new rental amount.

Another important point: selling the property doesn't automatically cancel an existing lease or give the new owner the right to immediately raise the rent. The Georgia Landlord-Tenant Handbook explains that a new owner is generally subject to existing leases.

⚖️ What about Fair Housing?

A landlord may make lawful rent increases, but rental terms cannot be applied in a discriminatory manner. The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in the terms or conditions of rental housing because of race, color, national origin, religion, s*x, familial status, or disability.

For landlords and property managers, the best practice is simple: follow the lease, provide any legally required notice, document the change in writing, and apply policies consistently and without unlawful discrimination.

For tenants: read your lease carefully. Before assuming a rent increase is—or isn't—permitted, start with the agreement you signed and the laws that apply to your particular tenancy.

📚 Source: Georgia Department of Community Affairs, Georgia Landlord-Tenant Handbook

FHG Property Management, LLC

This post is provided for general educational and informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Landlord-tenant situations can vary based on the lease, type of tenancy, subsidized-housing requirements, and individual circumstances. Property owners and tenants should consult the Georgia Landlord-Tenant Handbook and, when appropriate, a qualified Georgia attorney regarding their specific situation. FHG Property Management, LLC supports and complies with applicable federal and Georgia Fair Housing laws and provides housing-related services without unlawful discrimination.

08/19/2026

🏠 ASK THE PROPERTY MANAGER

Does My Lease Survive If My Landlord Sells the Property?

You come home one afternoon and see something you weren't expecting:

A FOR SALE sign in the front yard.

Does that mean your lease is over and you have to move?

In Georgia, generally, no.

When a rental property is sold through a normal sale, the change in ownership generally does not automatically terminate an existing valid lease. The new owner generally takes ownership subject to the existing lease and becomes responsible for the landlord's obligations under that lease.

🔑 What if I have a fixed-term lease?

If you have a valid lease for a specific period, the new owner generally must honor the existing terms for the remainder of that lease.

Simply purchasing the property does not generally give the new owner the right to disregard the lease, immediately increase the rent contrary to its terms, or require the tenant to leave solely because ownership changed.

However, the actual lease matters. Lease provisions and the circumstances surrounding the transfer should always be reviewed before determining the rights and responsibilities of either party.

📅 What about month-to-month tenants?

A tenancy-at-will is different.

Under Georgia law, a landlord generally must provide 60 days' notice to terminate a tenancy-at-will. Different notice requirements apply when the tenant terminates the tenancy.

⚠️ What about foreclosure?

Foreclosure can involve different state and federal laws and should not automatically be treated the same as a traditional voluntary sale.

🏡 PROPERTY MANAGER TIP

For investors: If you're purchasing an occupied rental property, review all leases, amendments, security-deposit records, prepaid rent records, tenant ledgers, and other relevant documents as part of your due diligence.

Don't assume that buying the property automatically eliminates an existing tenant's lease.

For tenants: A FOR SALE sign does not automatically mean it's time to pack your belongings. Review your lease and watch for legitimate written communication regarding a change in ownership, property management, and where future rent payments should be made.

Bottom line:

🏠 The property may have a new owner, but an existing lease generally doesn't disappear simply because the property was sold.

Have a Georgia property-management question you'd like me to cover next?

Drop it in the comments! 👇

This post provides general educational information concerning Georgia rental property and is not legal advice. Rights and obligations may vary depending upon the lease, type of tenancy, method of property transfer, and specific circumstances. Property owners and tenants should review their lease and consult a qualified Georgia attorney when legal advice is needed.