Georgia security deposit law

Read from the statute itself on 2026-11-09. Statewide rule; a city or county can add its own.

Maximum deposit: 2 months of rent
Return deadline: 30 days
Interest: Not required by the statute

Capped at two months' rent for leases entered into or renewed on or after July 1, 2024. The landlord must return it within 30 days after obtaining possession. A natural person owning 10 or fewer self-managed units is exempt from the escrow, move-in-list and penalty sections.

Source: O.C.G.A. § 44-7-30.1 (added by HB 404, 2024); § 44-7-34(a) · read on 2026-11-09

Calculate it for your rent

State

Monthly rent ($)

Maximum legal deposit

$5,000

Up to 2 months of rent under O.C.G.A. § 44-7-30.1 (added by HB 404, 2024); § 44-7-34(a).

Return deadline

30 days

Within 30 days after the landlord gets possession of the unit. Any amount kept needs a written statement of the exact reasons.

Interest required

Not required by the statute

Georgia: Capped at two months' rent for leases entered into or renewed on or after July 1, 2024. The landlord must return it within 30 days after obtaining possession. A natural person owning 10 or fewer self-managed units is exempt from the escrow, move-in-list and penalty sections.

Source: O.C.G.A. § 44-7-30.1 (added by HB 404, 2024); § 44-7-34(a) · read on 2026-11-09

Georgia: common questions

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Georgia?

Up to 2 months of rent under O.C.G.A. § 44-7-30.1 (added by HB 404, 2024); § 44-7-34(a). Capped at two months' rent for leases entered into or renewed on or after July 1, 2024. The landlord must return it within 30 days after obtaining possession. A natural person owning 10 or fewer self-managed units is exempt from the escrow, move-in-list and penalty sections.

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Georgia?

30 days. Within 30 days after the landlord gets possession of the unit. Any amount kept needs a written statement of the exact reasons.

Not legal advice. Confirm with a local landlord-tenant attorney before relying on a figure.

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<p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Free <a href="https://www.proprietio.com/tools/security-deposit-calculator">security deposit calculator by state</a> by Proprietio.</p>