The Landlord and Tenant Handbook governs the landlord-tenant relationship in Georgia.^[1]

• Return- landlords can charge a security deposit but must return it (minus deductions for damages) within one (1) month after the tenant moves out.^[2]
• Itemized List – Deductions must be itemized in a written list and provided to the tenant.
• Separate Bank Account – Deposit must be held in a trust account.^[3]

Both landlords and tenants can terminate a lease under the following situations:

• Landlord’s Ability to Terminate
  • 3-day notice for failure to pay rent.
  • 7-day notice to fix a lease violation.
• Tenant’s Ability to Terminate
  • With proof of domestic violence (police report).
  • Provide 30 days’ notice to terminate a month-to-month lease.^[4]

Landlords must provide reasonable notice (usually 24 hours) before entering a rental property unless it’s an emergency. Tenants cannot unreasonably deny access to landlords.^[5]

After proper notice is given and the tenant fails to comply, landlords must file a dispossessory action in court.^[8]

1. Landlord/Property Owner Identification – Landlord’s Name and Address – The landlord must provide their name and address to the tenant at the start of the lease and update any changes within 30 days.^[9]
2. Move-in / Move-out Inspection Form – The landlord must document and share the property’s condition before collecting a security deposit.^[10]
3. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure and EPA Pamphlet – If the property was built before 1978, federal law requires this document to be included with the lease.^[11]
4. Flood Disclosure Form (conditional) – Tenants must be informed if the property has flooded three or more times in the past five years.^[12]