<!-- Georgia Security Deposit Law: 30 Days, Triple Damages | canonical: https://nicetrylandlord.com/georgia-security-deposit-law -->

# Georgia deposit law, in plain English.

30 days. Your landlord has 30 days after getting the place back to return your full deposit. Here's the rest, each rule linked to the official text.

- ## 30 days.

  Your landlord has 30 days after getting the place back to return your full deposit.

  [O.C.G.A. § 44-7-34(a)](https://advance.lexis.com/documentpage/?pdmfid=1000516&pddocfullpath=%2Fshared%2Fdocument%2Fstatutes-legislation%2Furn%3AcontentItem%3A6348-FYW1-DYB7-W0XS-00008-00)
- ## Exact reasons, in writing.

  If they keep any of it, they owe you a written statement with the exact reasons, plus their damage list if it's for damage, and the rest of your deposit.

  [§ 44-7-34(a)](https://advance.lexis.com/documentpage/?pdmfid=1000516&pddocfullpath=%2Fshared%2Fdocument%2Fstatutes-legislation%2Furn%3AcontentItem%3A6348-FYW1-DYB7-W0XS-00008-00)
- ## Off limits.

  Ordinary wear and tear from using the place the way it's meant to be used.

  [§ 44-7-34(a)](https://advance.lexis.com/documentpage/?pdmfid=1000516&pddocfullpath=%2Fshared%2Fdocument%2Fstatutes-legislation%2Furn%3AcontentItem%3A6348-FYW1-DYB7-W0XS-00008-00)
- ## Your address.

  Mailing it first-class to your last known address counts. So make sure they have your new one.

  [§ 44-7-34(a)](https://advance.lexis.com/documentpage/?pdmfid=1000516&pddocfullpath=%2Fshared%2Fdocument%2Fstatutes-legislation%2Furn%3AcontentItem%3A6348-FYW1-DYB7-W0XS-00008-00)
- ## Miss it, lose it.

  If the statement doesn't come in time, they lose the right to keep any of it.

  [§ 44-7-35(b)](https://advance.lexis.com/documentpage/?pdmfid=1000516&pddocfullpath=%2Fshared%2Fdocument%2Fstatutes-legislation%2Furn%3AcontentItem%3A6348-FYW1-DYB7-W0XT-00008-00)
- ## Three times.

  Keeping money they should have returned can cost them three times that amount, plus lawyer's fees, unless they show it was an honest error.

  [§ 44-7-35(c)](https://advance.lexis.com/documentpage/?pdmfid=1000516&pddocfullpath=%2Fshared%2Fdocument%2Fstatutes-legislation%2Furn%3AcontentItem%3A6348-FYW1-DYB7-W0XT-00008-00)
- ## Small landlords.

  If one person, with their spouse and minor kids, owns 10 or fewer rentals and no paid manager runs them, the two rules above don't apply. The 30-day rule still does.

  [§ 44-7-36](https://advance.lexis.com/documentpage/?pdmfid=1000516&pddocfullpath=%2Fshared%2Fdocument%2Fstatutes-legislation%2Furn%3AcontentItem%3A6348-FYW1-DYB7-W0XV-00008-00)

**Not covered here yet:** Move-outs without telling the landlord

Checked against the official text on October 20, 2026. General information, not legal advice. Cities can add their own rules.

[Check my case](https://nicetrylandlord.com/check?state=GA)

[Landlord Didn't Return Your Deposit in 30 Days?](https://nicetrylandlord.com/landlord-didnt-return-deposit-within-30-days) · [Landlord Never Sent an Itemized List of Deductions?](https://nicetrylandlord.com/landlord-never-sent-itemized-list)

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