Car rental in Georgia — disputes over damage, deposits and fees
Disputes over a rental car usually start on return: the company charges for damage, keeps the deposit or applies a contractual penalty. The Civil Code and the Consumer Rights Law set both sides' obligations. We help you assess the claim and handle the dispute.
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Under a lease contract, the company must hand the car over in usable condition and keep it so for the whole rental period (Civil Code, Article 532). On return, you must give the car back in the condition you received it, allowing for normal wear and tear, or in the condition set in the contract (Article 564).
If you rented the car for personal use, the Consumer Rights Law also applies.
If the car turns out to be defective
- If there is a defect, the rent is reduced in proportion to the reduced usability of the car; minor defects are not taken into account (Article 536).
- If the defect existed when the contract was made, or the company delays fixing it, you may claim damages; if the repair is delayed, you may fix the defect yourself and claim the cost (Article 537).
Damage claims after return
- Normal wear and tear is not damage (Article 564).
- The company may claim compensation for changes to or deterioration of the car within 6 months, counted from the car's return (Article 573).
- Your claim for reimbursement of expenses must also be made within 6 months — from the end of the contract (Article 573).
Unfair contract terms
Under the Consumer Rights Law, standard terms must be written in plain, understandable language, and an ambiguous term is interpreted in the consumer's favour (Article 21). The following, for example, are void (Article 22, point 3):
- A term making you pay more than the actual damage when you breach the contract, or a disproportionately large sum for expenses.
- A term binding you to conditions you had no real chance to read before the contract was made.
- A term that unfairly restricts or excludes your claims if the company did not perform, or performed defectively.
The 14-day right to withdraw from a distance contract does not apply to vehicle rental where the contract states a specific date or period (Article 14, point 2(l)).
Our services
- Assessing a damage or fee claim against the contract and the law
- Challenging unfair contract terms
- A written reply to the rental company
- Claiming back a deposit or an overpayment
- Representation in court — including after you have left Georgia
Questions & answers
How long does the company have to claim for damage?
6 months from the car's return (Civil Code, Article 573).
Do I have to pay for wear and tear?
No. You must return the car in the condition you received it, allowing for normal wear and tear (Article 564).
The contract has a very high penalty — do I have to pay it?
Under the Consumer Rights Law, a standard term making the consumer pay more than the actual damage is void (Article 22, point 3(f)). Each term is assessed on the facts of the case.
Can I cancel an online car rental booking within 14 days?
The law does not give this right for vehicle rental where the contract states a date or period (Consumer Rights Law, Article 14). The cancellation terms are set by the contract.
Legal basis
Official texts (in Georgian) — Legislative Herald of Georgia, matsne.gov.ge.
Important: the information on this page is general and is not legal advice.
It reflects the law in force on the date of publication. The law may change, and every case is assessed individually. Do not make decisions based solely on this information — it is best to consult a lawyer first. MMLAW is not liable for decisions made using this information or for their consequences.
Related practice area: Civil litigation
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