What penalties can apply in Georgia?

3x amount wrongfully withheld for bad faith retention. See O.C.G.A. § 44-7-30 et seq..

What is the small claims limit in Georgia?

Magistrate Court limit: $15,000. Filing fees: $45-$85.

Is a move-in checklist required in Georgia?

Yes. A move-in condition checklist is required in some situations and can impact whether a landlord may lawfully keep deposit funds for damages.

Georgia Security Deposit Laws (2026)

Key rules for deadlines, penalties, and documentation requirements, with direct links to the official statute.

Reviewed: 2026-03-03

Reviewer: ReclaimDeposit legal research team

Last verified 2026-03-03•O.C.G.A. § 44-7-30 et seq.

Quick answer for Georgia renters

In Georgia, landlords generally must return the deposit or send a lawful itemized statement within 30 days. Penalty exposure can reach 3x damages.

Calculate your exact deadline Use Georgia security deposit demand letter template Review Georgia small claims court process

Deadline

30 days

30 days after tenant vacates and provides forwarding address

Penalty

3x damages

3x amount wrongfully withheld for bad faith retention

Small claims limit

$15,000

Magistrate Court

Court limit source

Requirements

Move-in checklistRequired

Pre move-out inspectionNot required

Certified mailNot required

Forwarding addressRequired

Notes

Move-in inspection list REQUIRED - must be provided within 3 business days of occupancy
Deposit must be held in escrow account and landlord must notify tenant of location
Pet deposits limited to actual cost of damage caused by pet
Bad faith retention can result in 3x damages

Citations

Quick references pulled from our shared state law dataset. Open each explainer for plain-English context.

Deposit return deadline
O.C.G.A. § 44-7-34 - Landlord must return deposit within 30 days after termination and receipt of forwarding address
Explain this statute Official section
Itemized deductions
O.C.G.A. § 44-7-34 - Landlord must provide written statement of reasons for retention
Explain this statute Official section
Normal wear and tear
O.C.G.A. § 44-7-34 - Landlord cannot charge for normal wear and tear
Explain this statute Official section
Move-in checklist
O.C.G.A. § 44-7-33 - Landlord must provide tenant with list of pre-existing damage within 3 business days
Explain this statute Official section
Bad faith penalties
O.C.G.A. § 44-7-35 - Bad faith retention results in 3x damages liability
Explain this statute Official section
Escrow requirements
O.C.G.A. § 44-7-31 - Deposits must be held in escrow account at regulated depository
Explain this statute Official section

Always verify against official sources.

Official source URL

Common Georgia dispute scenarios

Choose the scenario that matches your case to get state-specific next actions.

Landlord missed the deposit deadline

Use this path when your landlord returned the deposit late or failed to send any lawful itemized statement on time.

No itemized deduction statement

Use this path when money was withheld but no legally compliant itemized statement was provided.

Charged for normal wear and tear

Use this path when deductions include routine aging, ordinary use, or charges that should have been depreciated.

Evidence of landlord bad faith

Use this path when withholding appears intentional, reckless, or unsupported by evidence and statute.

Next steps

Use free tools to estimate your deadline, prepare a demand letter, and map your court path.

Deadline calculator Deduction checker Georgia demand letter template Georgia small claims guide Bad-faith guide