Georgia Security Deposit Laws 2026
Here's what Georgia law says about security deposit returns, deadlines, and penalties. All information is sourced from GA Code § 44-7-30 to § 44-7-37.
Return Deadline
30 calendar days
from move-out date to return your deposit
Penalty for Violations
Actual damages sustained
Itemization Requirements
- Itemized statement required: Yes
- Itemization deadline: 30 days
- Receipts required: No
Interest Requirements
Not required. Your landlord does not have to pay interest on your deposit.
Statute of Limitations
- Written lease: 6 years
- Oral lease: 4 years
Small Claims Court
Maximum claim: $15,000
Attorney fee shifting available — you may recover attorney fees if you win.
Primary Statute
Important Exceptions & Edge Cases
GA Code § 44-7-31: Landlords with 10+ units (or who use a property manager) must place deposits in an escrow account at a GA-based bank/financial institution and provide written notice of the location. Landlords with fewer than 10 self-managed units are exempt from escrow requirement.
GA Code § 44-7-33: Landlord must conduct a move-in inspection and provide the tenant with a written list of pre-existing damage. Without this, landlord may have difficulty proving tenant-caused damage at move-out.
Think your landlord violated Georgia law?
Generate a demand letter that cites GA Code § 44-7-30 to § 44-7-37 and puts your landlord on notice.
This is not legal advice. Reclaim provides legal information and document generation tools. The information on this page is sourced from GA Code § 44-7-30 to § 44-7-37 and is current as of January 1, 2020. For specific legal questions, consult a licensed attorney in Georgia.