Case Summary: Gentry v. Chateau Properties, 236 Ga. App. 371 (1999)

Today we are looking at the case of Gentry v. Chateau Properties, 236 Ga. App. 371 (1999). The appellant is Eddie Gentry, the tenant. The appellee is Chateau Properties, the landlord.

Chateau Properties initiated a dispossessory action against Gentry for nonpayment of rent. During the trial, Gentry, representing himself, attempted to present evidence and arguments unrelated to the issue of possession, including claims about the property’s condition and alleged agreements. The trial court granted a directed verdict in favor of Chateau Properties, focusing solely on the issue of possession. The Court of Appeals affirmed this decision, emphasizing that matters outside the scope of the dispossessory proceedings should be addressed in separate legal actions.

Tenants facing dispossessory actions should be aware that such proceedings are limited to determining the right of possession. Claims regarding property conditions or other disputes should be pursued separately.

Read the full decision here.