GA · LEASE-AGMT · Updated July 2026 · Free
Georgia Lease Agreement
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Georgia at a glance: Security Deposit Limit: No statutory limit · Deposit Return Deadline: 30 days (or 1 month, whichever is less) · Notice to Terminate Month-to-Month: 60 days (landlord); 30 days (tenant)
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Overview
Lease Agreements in Georgia
Georgia landlord-tenant law is governed by the Georgia Landlord-Tenant Handbook and O.C.G.A. Title 44, Chapter 7. Georgia is considered one of the more landlord-friendly states in the country, with minimal restrictions on security deposits, no rent control, and a relatively fast eviction process.
Georgia has no statutory cap on security deposits, though deposits must be handled in a specific way — held in an escrow account or secured with a surety bond. Deposits must be returned within 30 days (or one month, whichever is less).
Georgia does not impose an implied warranty of habitability by statute, though courts have recognized habitability as a condition of tenancy. Landlords must generally maintain the property in a condition consistent with the lease terms.
Key Facts
Georgia Lease Agreement — Quick Reference
| Requirement | Georgia Rule |
|---|---|
| Security Deposit Limit | No statutory limit |
| Deposit Return Deadline | 30 days (or 1 month, whichever is less) |
| Notice to Terminate Month-to-Month | 60 days (landlord); 30 days (tenant) |
| Rent Control | None — prohibited by state law |
| Eviction Notice (Non-Payment) | Demand for possession (no specific day requirement) |
| Landlord Entry Notice | No statutory requirement |
| Governing Law | O.C.G.A. § 44-7 |
Legal Requirements
Georgia Legal Requirements
- Security deposits must be held in an escrow account or secured with a surety bond.
- Landlords must provide a written list of existing damages within 3 days of move-in (if a deposit is collected).
- Lead paint disclosure required for pre-1978 properties.
- Landlords must return the deposit within 30 days with an itemized deduction statement.
- Georgia law requires landlords to disclose the identity of the property owner or authorized agent.
Governing Laws
Georgia Governing Laws
O.C.G.A. § 44-7-30 to 44-7-37
Security Deposits
Requires security deposits to be held in an escrow account or secured by a surety bond. Landlords must inspect the premises and provide tenants with a written statement of damages within 3 business days of move-in. Deposits must be returned within 30 days with itemized deductions.
O.C.G.A. § 44-7-50 to 44-7-59
Dispossessory Proceedings (Evictions)
Governs the eviction process in Georgia. After a demand for possession, if the tenant fails to vacate, the landlord may file a dispossessory affidavit in Magistrate Court. Georgia has one of the fastest eviction processes in the US.
Read the full text of these laws at Cornell Law School's Georgia legal resources or your state legislature's official website.
Questions & Answers
Georgia Lease Agreement — Frequently Asked Questions
What are the security deposit rules in Georgia?
Georgia has no cap on security deposits. Landlords must hold deposits in an escrow account or secure them with a surety bond. Within 3 days of move-in, the landlord must give the tenant a written list of existing damages. The deposit must be returned within 30 days of move-out with an itemized list of deductions.
How fast is the eviction process in Georgia?
Georgia has one of the fastest eviction timelines in the country. After a demand for possession, if the tenant doesn't leave, the landlord files a dispossessory affidavit. Hearings can be scheduled within 7 days. If the court rules for the landlord, the tenant typically has 7 days to appeal or face a writ of possession.
Does Georgia require a landlord to give notice before entering?
Georgia law does not specify a required notice period for landlord entry. The lease should address entry notice terms. As a best practice, landlords should give reasonable advance notice (typically 24 hours) except in genuine emergencies.
Does Georgia have rent control?
No. Georgia law explicitly prohibits local governments from enacting rent control ordinances. Landlords can charge and raise rent to market rates, subject only to the notice terms in the lease.
What notice does a Georgia landlord need to give to terminate a lease?
For month-to-month tenancies, Georgia requires landlords to give 60 days' written notice to terminate, while tenants only need 30 days' notice. Fixed-term leases end automatically at the expiration date without additional notice.