Policy & Law
4 min read
Georgia security deposit timelines, plainly stated
The statutory clock is short and the documentation burden falls on the landlord. Here is the sequence we follow on every move-out.
Article
Georgia law is not ambiguous about deposits, but it is unforgiving about process. The move-out inspection, the written itemized statement, and the return of the balance all sit on a defined timeline, and a missed step can expose an owner to damages well beyond the deposit itself.
Our sequence is fixed. We photograph condition at move-in and attach it to the lease file. We inspect within three business days of possession returning. We issue the itemized statement in writing with invoices or estimates attached, and we return the balance by the statutory deadline whether or not the resident has provided a forwarding address.
The single most common owner error we see is deducting for ordinary wear. Carpet at the end of its useful life, nail holes from normal hanging, and faded paint are not damages. Deducting for them invites a claim that costs more than the deduction recovers.
This article is general information about our process, not legal advice for your situation. Where a file is close to the line, we recommend counsel before the statement issues.