ReclaimDepositGeorgia Security Deposit Laws (2026)
Key rules for deadlines, penalties, and documentation requirements, with direct links to the official statute.
Deadline
30 days
30 days after tenant vacates and provides forwarding address
Penalty
3x
3x amount wrongfully withheld for bad faith retention
Small claims limit
$15,000
Magistrate Court
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. Always verify against the official statute.
- O.C.G.A. § 44-7-34 - Landlord must return deposit within 30 days after termination and receipt of forwarding address
- O.C.G.A. § 44-7-34 - Landlord must provide written statement of reasons for retention
- O.C.G.A. § 44-7-34 - Landlord cannot charge for normal wear and tear
- O.C.G.A. § 44-7-33 - Landlord must provide tenant with list of pre-existing damage within 3 business days
- O.C.G.A. § 44-7-35 - Bad faith retention results in 3x damages liability
- O.C.G.A. § 44-7-31 - Deposits must be held in escrow account at regulated depository
Next steps
Use free tools to estimate your deadline and prepare a demand letter.