Georgia Security deposit limit

Related Georgia rules

Deposit return deadline

Within 30 days after the landlord regains possession: return the deposit, or a written statement of the exact reasons for withholding plus the balance (Georgia Attorney General's summary of the statute).

Verified Source: O.C.G.A. § 44-7-34 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full Georgia deposit return deadline page

Interest on deposits

Georgia's security deposit article requires deposits to be held in trust in an escrow account (or covered by a surety bond), with the tenant told where the account is. It does not require the landlord to pay interest (whole article reviewed).

Verified Source: O.C.G.A. §§ 44-7-30 to 44-7-37 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full Georgia interest on deposits page

Move-in/move-out checklist

Before taking a deposit, the landlord must give the tenant a comprehensive list of existing damage; the tenant may inspect the unit, and both sign the list (or the tenant signs a written dissent). Within 3 business days after move-out, the landlord must inspect and list any damage charged to the deposit with estimated costs, and the tenant may inspect within 5 business days (O.C.G.A. § 44-7-33(a), (b)(1)). These rules do not apply to units owned by a person who, with a spouse and minor children, owns ten or fewer rental units, unless a third party manages the units for a fee (O.C.G.A. § 44-7-36).

Verified Source: O.C.G.A. § 44-7-33(a), (b)(1); § 44-7-36 · last checked 2026-10-23 · Full Georgia move-in/move-out checklist page