30 days to return the deposit; cap no statutory cap.
The landlord must return the deposit within 30 days of move-out, with an itemized list of deductions. A move-out inspection list is required to withhold for damages.
What this means for you: Bad-faith retention can expose the landlord to triple the withheld amount plus attorney's fees.
Your next step: Provide a forwarding address. If 30 days pass, send a deposit-return demand letter.
Source: Ga. Code §§ 44-7-30 to 44-7-37. Reviewed 2026-06-16.
More Georgia rights: Georgia eviction · Georgia repairs · Georgia entry notice · Georgia rent increase.
Security deposit in nearby states: Florida (30 days to return the deposit; cap no statutory cap) · Alabama (60 days to return the deposit; cap 1 month's rent) · South Carolina (30 days to return the deposit; cap no statutory cap) · North Carolina (30 days to return the deposit; cap 2 months' rent) · Tennessee (30 days to return the deposit; cap no statutory cap).
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and vary by locality; consult a licensed attorney or your local housing authority.
Updated July 2026