Georgia · Security Deposit Law
Georgia Security Deposit Law: 30 days (1 month from move-out) Return Rule
Georgia's security deposit law (O.C.G.A. § 44-7-34) requires landlords to return your deposit within 30 days of the end of your tenancy, along with a written statement of any deductions. Georgia pairs this with one of the steepest penalties in the region: under O.C.G.A. § 44-7-35, a landlord who wrongfully withholds the deposit faces three times the deposit amount plus your attorney's fees.
Key fact: Georgia has one of the toughest security deposit penalties in the South, landlords owe triple damages plus attorney fees for non-compliance.
Return deadline
30 days (1 month from move-out)
Statute
O.C.G.A. § 44-7-34
Small claims limit
$15,000
Georgia Security Deposit Penalty
Penalty: 3× the deposit amount + attorney fees
Under O.C.G.A. § 44-7-35, a landlord who fails to return the deposit without good cause within 30 days is liable for three times the deposit amount plus reasonable attorney's fees.
Start Your Georgia Security Deposit Demand Letter
Auto-filled with O.C.G.A. § 44-7-34, the 30 days (1 month from move-out) deadline, and the penalty clause. Formatted for USPS Certified Mail. Instant PDF download.
Start My Demand Letter →Instant PDF download
Georgia Security Deposit FAQs
How long does my Georgia landlord have to return my security deposit?▾
Within one month (30 days) from the date of termination of the tenancy or move-out. O.C.G.A. § 44-7-34(a).
What is the penalty if my Georgia landlord doesn't return my deposit?▾
Three times the wrongfully withheld amount plus reasonable attorney's fees under O.C.G.A. § 44-7-35. Georgia Magistrate Courts (small claims) handle disputes up to $15,000.
Do I need a lawyer to send a security deposit demand letter?▾
No for sending a demand letter. Given the triple-damages exposure under § 44-7-35, many Georgia landlords settle promptly once they receive a formal demand citing the statute.
Does a demand letter actually work to get my deposit back?▾
Very effectively. The triple-damages penalty plus attorney fees is a significant deterrent. A formal demand letter is often all that is needed to prompt full return of the deposit.
Security deposit laws by state
Deadlines and statutes change. Always verify with your local court or legal aid before acting. kweldoc is a document drafting tool, not a law firm.