Eviction Laws in Macon, Georgia
Macon-Bibb County sits at the geographic heart of Georgia, about 85 miles south of Atlanta, with a population of around 157,000 and one of the most affordable rental markets in the state. Known as the Heart of Georgia, Macon’s economy is driven by aerospace and advanced manufacturing, healthcare anchored by Atrium Health Navicent, and a growing logistics sector fed by its central location on I-75 and I-16. Mercer University and Middle Georgia State University add a steady student rental component, and the city’s low cost of living continues to attract working families and young professionals priced out of Atlanta. Nonpayment is the leading driver of dispossessory filings here — Macon’s lower income profile means cash flow disruptions hit tenants faster than in higher-wage markets.
Georgia’s eviction process is clean and landlord-friendly in Macon, and Bibb County has no local tenant protection ordinances that add complexity on top of state law. Under O.C.G.A. § 44-7-50, once you’ve made a demand for possession and the tenant refuses, you file a Dispossessory Affidavit with Bibb County Magistrate’s Court. Since HB 404 took effect in July 2024, a written 3-business-day notice is required before filing for nonpayment — but holdover tenants and lease violators can be filed on immediately after the demand. Georgia caps security deposits at two months’ rent, imposes no rent control, and the sheriff executes Writs of Possession typically within one to two weeks of judgment. Macon’s lower filing volume compared to Atlanta means hearings are often scheduled faster.
Macon & Bibb County — Local Rules That Affect Landlords
No rent control. Georgia state law preempts local rent regulation and Macon-Bibb County has none.
Consolidated Government. Macon operates as a consolidated Macon-Bibb County government. All dispossessory filings go to Bibb County Magistrate’s Court — one jurisdiction, no ambiguity about where to file regardless of which part of the city the property is located in.
Housing Code Enforcement. Macon enforces local property maintenance and housing codes. The city has been active in addressing blight in older neighborhoods, and tenants in distressed properties occasionally raise habitability defenses in dispossessory hearings. Keep written records of all maintenance requests and repairs before filing.
Affordable Housing Market Dynamics. Macon’s lower rent profile means a higher percentage of tenants are cost-burdened. Landlords should document all nonpayment thoroughly and consider payment plan conversations before filing — courts here see a high volume of nonpayment cases and documentation quality matters.
Bibb County Magistrate’s Court — Where Macon Landlords File
Macon landlords file dispossessory actions at Bibb County Magistrate’s Court, located at 601 Mulberry St, Macon, GA 31201, phone (478) 621-6527, open Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. File a Dispossessory Affidavit and pay the filing fee of approximately $60. The court issues a Dispossessory Warrant served by the sheriff. The tenant has 7 days from service to file a written or oral answer. If no answer is filed, request a default judgment on day 8. If answered, a hearing is typically scheduled within 10 to 30 days. A Writ of Possession is issued after a favorable ruling and the sheriff schedules physical removal within 1 to 2 weeks. Self-help eviction — changing locks, removing belongings, or shutting off utilities without a court order — is illegal under O.C.G.A. § 44-7-14 and exposes landlords to damages claims.
|
