Georgia landlord-tenant laws.
Notable Georgia quirk
The 2024 Safe at Home Act added the 2-month deposit cap, a statutory habitability duty, and a 3-business-day pay-or-vacate notice. Small landlords (≤10 units, self-managed) are exempt from the escrow/inspection/treble-damage rules (§ 44-7-36).
Georgia landlord law FAQ
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Georgia?
For leases entered into or renewed on or after July 1, 2024, no more than two months' rent (O.C.G.A. § 44-7-30.1, added by the Safe at Home Act). Leases predating that date have no statutory cap.
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Georgia?
Within one month (30 days) after the tenant surrenders and vacates, with any deductions itemized in writing (O.C.G.A. § 44-7-34). Bad-faith withholding can cost three times the amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney fees (§ 44-7-35).
Does Georgia require a separate escrow account for deposits?
Generally yes: deposits must sit in a separate escrow account (or be covered by a surety bond) with written notice to the tenant of the location (§§ 44-7-31, 44-7-32). But a natural-person landlord who, with spouse and minor children, owns 10 or fewer units and doesn't use a paid manager is exempt from the escrow, bond, inspection, and treble-damage rules (§ 44-7-36).
What is the maximum late fee for rent in Georgia?
There is no statutory cap. A late fee must be written into the lease and reasonable; courts have generally accepted roughly 5–10% of rent and can strike punitive fees.
Does a Georgia landlord have to give notice before entering?
No. Georgia has no statutory notice-to-enter requirement; the lease governs entry rights.
What is the small claims limit in Georgia?
$15,000 in magistrate court (O.C.G.A. § 15-10-2). Evictions are also heard in magistrate court and are not capped by that limit.
How much can a landlord charge for late rent in Georgia?
No statutory cap, must be in the lease and reasonable (~5–10% generally accepted). Grace period: None statutory, the lease controls. Late fee terms should always be written into the lease.
What is the security deposit limit in Georgia?
2 months' rent (leases entered/renewed on or after July 1, 2024); no cap on older leases. Deposit return deadline: 30 days.
How much notice does a landlord need to enter a rental in Georgia?
None statutorily required.
Is there rent control in Georgia?
Prohibited.
Sources
Summarized from public statutes, state bar guides, and provincial residential tenancy acts. Last reviewed 2026-07-02. Deposit statute: O.C.G.A. §§ 44-7-30 to 44-7-37 (§ 44-7-30.1 cap, HB 404). Late fee statute: None, statutory silence in O.C.G.A. Title 44 ch. 7; the lease controls.
- O.C.G.A. § 44-7-30.1 (deposit cap, HB 404)
- O.C.G.A. § 44-7-34 (return of deposit)
- O.C.G.A. § 44-7-35 (treble damages)
- Georgia DCA: Landlord-Tenant Handbook
This page is general information, not legal advice. Consult a local attorney for your specific situation.