How much a landlord can charge for a security deposit in Georgia, the deadline to return it after move-out, and the statute that controls — verified June 7, 2026.
2 months of rent (cap added by HB 404 Safe at Home Act, eff. July 1, 2024; applies to leases entered/renewed on or after that date — previously no statutory limit). HB 404 (Safe at Home Act) enacted § 44-7-30.1 two-month cap. Bad-faith withholding exposes landlord to up to 3x wrongfully withheld plus attorney fees.
1 month (30 days) after lease termination or surrender/acceptance, whichever is later; written itemized statement required if any amount retained. Read O.C.G.A. § 44-7-30.1 (cap); § 44-7-34 (return) for the exact triggers, itemization requirements, and penalties for late or bad-faith withholding.
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2 months of rent (cap added by HB 404 Safe at Home Act, eff. July 1, 2024; applies to leases entered/renewed on or after that date — previously no statutory limit). HB 404 (Safe at Home Act) enacted § 44-7-30.1 two-month cap. Bad-faith withholding exposes landlord to up to 3x wrongfully withheld plus attorney fees. This is a best-effort summary verified against the official statute (O.C.G.A. § 44-7-30.1 (cap); § 44-7-34 (return)) on June 7, 2026 — always confirm with the current law or an attorney.
1 month (30 days) after lease termination or surrender/acceptance, whichever is later; written itemized statement required if any amount retained. See O.C.G.A. § 44-7-30.1 (cap); § 44-7-34 (return) for the exact conditions and any itemization requirements.
O.C.G.A. § 44-7-30.1 (cap); § 44-7-34 (return). The official text is published by the state at https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20232024/229083.
No. This page is a best-effort summary compiled from primary legal authority and verified on June 7, 2026. Statutes change, and many states use tiers or exceptions a summary can't capture. Confirm with the current statute or a licensed attorney before relying on it.
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