Security Deposit Rules — Georgia This guide covers security deposit rules in Georgia, including how deposits may be collected, held, applied, and returned at the end of a tenancy. Deposit collection State law can regulate whether a security deposit is permitted, the maximum amount, required disclosures, and special rules for certain rental arrangements. Landlords should confirm the current Georgia requirements before collecting a deposit. Handling and storage Some states impose requirements concerning where deposits are held, whether they must be kept separately, whether interest is owed, and what information must be provided to the tenant. These requirements can differ substantially from one state to another. Permitted deductions A deposit may generally be used only for amounts allowed by the lease and applicable law. Depending on the jurisdiction, deductions can relate to unpaid rent, damage beyond ordinary wear and tear, or other legally permitted charges. Normal aging of a property should not automatically be treated as tenant damage. Move-out inspection A documented move-out inspection can help establish the property's condition. Photos, checklists, invoices, receipts, and repair records can support legitimate deductions and reduce disagreements. Returning the deposit The deadline and procedure for returning a deposit, including any required itemized statement, are governed by applicable law. Because deadlines can be strict, landlords should track the move-out date and applicable statutory requirements carefully. State-specific considerations Rules for security deposit laws can change through legislation, court decisions, administrative guidance, and local ordinances. Requirements may also differ by property type, tenancy type, municipality, or the facts of an individual dispute. Before relying on this guide, compare the relevant issue with the current source linked below and, when the matter is disputed or high-risk, obtain advice from a qualified attorney licensed in Georgia. Reference: https://www.doorloop.com/laws/georgia-security-deposit-laws Important: This guide is general educational information, not legal advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship and should not be used as a substitute for reviewing current statutes, regulations, ordinances, court rules, or professional legal advice. Practical checklist For property managers and owners, a useful compliance workflow is to identify the property location, identify the type of tenancy or ownership arrangement, review the current governing documents, confirm the applicable state and local rules, record important dates, preserve written communications, and use the required notices or forms. When a rule has an exception, document why the exception applies. When a dispute has already begun, preserve the complete file rather than relying on memory or informal conversations. This approach can make it easier to understand the applicable requirements and communicate consistently with owners, tenants, boards, or other parties.