Georgia Security Deposit Deadlines
What the Law Requires After You Move Out
Georgia law requires landlords to inspect your unit and return your deposit on a strict timeline. If they skip steps or miss deadlines, you may have leverage to recover your money.
Used by renters across Georgia · Secure checkout · Not legal advice
In Georgia, process matters as much as timing
Georgia is different from many states because landlords must follow specific inspection procedures in addition to deadlines.
If a landlord:
- Fails to perform a proper move-out inspection
- Does not provide an itemized list of damages
- Misses the return deadline
They may lose the right to keep part or all of the deposit.
Many Georgia disputes turn on whether the landlord followed the required steps, not just whether damage existed.
Georgia security deposit deadlines explained
After you move out:
Georgia Deadline
Before this, Georgia law requires a move-out inspection and documentation of damages.
Georgia security deposits are governed by O.C.G.A. §44-7-30 through §44-7-36.
This is where many landlords fail
In Georgia, landlords must:
- Inspect the unit after move out
- Create a written list of damages
- Allow the tenant to review and agree or disagree
- Keep records of the inspection
Common Georgia landlord mistakes:
- Skipping the inspection entirely
- Failing to document damages properly
- Creating deductions after the fact
- Sending vague or unsupported charges
If inspection rules are not followed, deductions may be challenged.
If Georgia rules were not followed
If a landlord fails to comply:
- You may be entitled to your full deposit
- Improper deductions may be invalid
- Your leverage increases in negotiations or escalation
Many Georgia renters recover deposits once inspection or deadline failures are clearly documented.
What works in practice
Successful Georgia disputes usually involve:
- Confirming the 30-day deadline
- Reviewing whether a proper inspection occurred
- Organizing move-out photos by room and date
- Comparing deductions to inspection records
- Sending a professional, law-referenced demand letter
- Escalating only if necessary
Documentation beats arguments.
Built for Georgia security deposit disputes
DepositReady helps you:
- Calculate your exact Georgia deadline
- Understand inspection and notice requirements
- Organize evidence correctly
- Generate a Georgia compliant demand letter
- Create a reusable dispute packet
You see your deadline before paying.
Georgia Security Deposit FAQ
Do I need a lawyer in Georgia to dispute a deposit?
Often no. Many disputes resolve with proper documentation.
What if my landlord never did an inspection?
That may affect their ability to claim deductions.
Can landlords charge for normal wear and tear in Georgia?
No. Only actual damages beyond normal wear and tear may be deducted.
Is this legal advice?
No. DepositReady provides documentation tools and state specific information.
Check your Georgia security deposit deadline in 30 seconds
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DepositReady is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. No outcomes are guaranteed.