Security Deposit Laws in Georgia
Georgia caps security deposits at two months' rent, requires return (or an itemized damage notice) within 30 days after move-out, and has no statute setting a notice period for landlord entry, which is governed by the lease.
Last checked . General information, not legal advice.
Georgia at a glance
- Security deposit limit
- 2 months' rent
- Deposit return deadline
- 30 days
- 30 days after the lease ends or the tenant vacates, whichever is later
- Interest on deposits
- Not required by state law
- Some cities have their own interest rules
- Notice before landlord entry
- No statutory period
- No statute specifies notice
The rules in Georgia
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Georgia?
Georgia limits security deposits to 2 months' rent.
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Georgia?
Georgia rule: 30 days after the lease ends or the tenant vacates, whichever is later.
Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit in Georgia?
No. Georgia state law does not require landlords to pay interest on security deposits. Some cities have their own rules.
How much notice must a landlord give before entering a rental in Georgia?
Georgia has no statute that sets a notice period for landlord entry, so the lease usually governs. Giving reasonable advance notice is common practice.
Where do the Georgia rules for residential leases come from?
They come from O.C.G.A. 44-7-34 and Georgia DCA, Georgia Landlord-Tenant Handbook. We last checked them in October 2026. Laws change, so check the current statute before you rely on it.
How Georgia compares
Georgia is one of 30 jurisdictions that cap deposits by law. Its 30-day return deadline is the same as the most common deadline of 30 days; 15 jurisdictions require a faster return.
What this means in practice
Landlords: state the deposit amount, where it is held and how it will be returned in the lease, and send the refund with any deductions in writing within the deadline.
Tenants: record the unit's condition with photos and a move-in checklist, keep your receipts, and give the landlord a forwarding address in writing when you move out.
Both sides: normal wear and tear is generally not deductible. Disputes over deductions usually go to small claims court.
General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules, so check the current statute before you rely on it.