Eviction in Muscogee County (Columbus), Georgia

Where eviction cases are filed in Muscogee County (Columbus), what it costs, local rent levels and where to get help — with the official court, county and HUD sources.

Quick facts: eviction in Muscogee County (Columbus)

Eviction court: Municipal Court of Columbus (Columbus Consolidated Government) — Municipal court with civil jurisdiction (hears all dispossessory proceedings in Muscogee County) Court page
Filing fee: $44 dispossessory warrant without money judgment; $46–$61 with a money judgment (by amount claimed, up to $15,000); $5 writ (eviction); $6 each additional defendant Municipal Court of Columbus — Filing Fees
Notice before filing (state law): Before filing a dispossessory affidavit for unpaid rent, late fees, utilities, or other charges, the landlord must give the tenant a notice to vacate or pay all past-due amounts within three business days. The notice must be posted in a sealed envelope conspicuously on the door of the property AND delivered by any additional method(s) agreed upon in the rental agreement. Georgia rules
HUD Fair Market Rent, 2-bedroom (FY2026): $1,088/month HUD
Renter households: 40,025 (49% of households) Census ACS 2020–2024

Last verified against official sources: 2026-10-23

Where eviction cases are filed in Muscogee County (Columbus)

Eviction cases in Muscogee County (Columbus) are heard by the Municipal Court of Columbus (Columbus Consolidated Government) (Municipal court with civil jurisdiction (hears all dispossessory proceedings in Muscogee County)).

Municipal Court — Government Center Tower, 8th Floor — 100 10th Street, Columbus, GA (706-653-4378) · website

Court eviction page

In Columbus–Muscogee County, dispossessory (eviction) cases are filed in the Municipal Court, not the Magistrate Court. The court hears civil cases up to $15,000 and writs of possession; it states that online filing became available January 1, 2024 and that online payments are accepted. Forms: https://courts.columbusga.gov/Institutions/Municipal/Forms

How much it costs to file an eviction in Muscogee County (Columbus)

$44 dispossessory warrant without money judgment; $46–$61 with a money judgment (by amount claimed, up to $15,000); $5 writ (eviction); $6 each additional defendant

The fee page shows no recent effective date, and Georgia raised civil filing fees in 2024 — confirm the current amount with the Clerk of Municipal Court. Marshal service fee is not listed.

Source: Municipal Court of Columbus — Filing Fees

The Georgia eviction process

Georgia state law sets the notice periods and court steps everywhere in the state, including Muscogee County (Columbus):

Demand for possession; for nonpayment, a notice to vacate or pay within 3 business days, posted in a sealed envelope on the door and delivered by any additional method in the lease (O.C.G.A. § 44-7-50(c)-(d))
Landlord files a sworn dispossessory affidavit
Summons served by sheriff/deputy, constable, or (since 7/1/2025) an approved process server: personal service, an adult resident, or post-and-mail the same day; tack-and-mail alone supports possession but not a money judgment if tenant defaults
Tenant answers orally or in writing within 7 days of service (tendering all rent allegedly owed plus the cost of the dispossessory warrant within 7 days of service is a complete defense, which the landlord must accept only once in any 12-month period); if the case is not decided within 2 weeks, tenant must pay rent into court
Hearing (usually within about 7 days if a valid defense is raised); judgment
Writ of possession after 7 days; sheriff supervises removal and property is placed on landlord's land. Either party may appeal within 7 days; tenant must pay rent into court to stay in the unit

Full Georgia eviction rules with sources →

Rent in Muscogee County (Columbus)

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents for the Columbus, GA-AL HUD Metro FMR Area (the rent levels used for Section 8 vouchers):

Studio	$895
1 bedroom	$939
2 bedrooms	$1,088
3 bedrooms	$1,445
4 bedrooms	$1,703

Source: HUD Fair Market Rent documentation

Median gross rent in Muscogee County (Columbus): $1,106/month (Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates).

County tenant ordinance

No county-level landlord-tenant ordinance identified. Columbus and Muscogee County have a consolidated government; local rules are on the Columbus city page.

Eviction help in Muscogee County (Columbus)

Free legal help

Georgia Legal Services Program (GLSP) — Free civil legal help for eligible low-income residents (generally income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level) or people 60 and older in the 154 Georgia counties outside metro Atlanta; 1-833-GLSPLAW (1-833-457-7529); apply online through GLSP.
Georgia Legal Aid (GeorgiaLegalAid.org eviction information) — Statewide self-help information on Georgia evictions.

Other Georgia counties

Frequently asked questions

Where do I file an eviction in Muscogee County (Columbus)?

Eviction cases in Muscogee County (Columbus) are filed with the Municipal Court of Columbus (Columbus Consolidated Government).

How much does it cost to file an eviction in Muscogee County (Columbus)?

$44 dispossessory warrant without money judgment; $46–$61 with a money judgment (by amount claimed, up to $15,000); $5 writ (eviction); $6 each additional defendant.

Where can I get help with an eviction in Muscogee County (Columbus)?

Georgia Legal Services Program (GLSP); Georgia Legal Aid (GeorgiaLegalAid.org eviction information).

What is the fair market rent in Muscogee County (Columbus)?

HUD's FY2026 Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom unit is $1,088 per month (1-bedroom: $939).

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.