Full question:
What amount of time is the landlord suppose to return a security deposit? We moved August 1st and still have not recieved our security deposit. The landlord keeps telling us "I'll send it to you in 2 or three weeks". It's been 2 or 3 months now. What should I do next?
- Category: Landlord Tenant
- Subcategory: Security Deposit
- Date:
- State: Georgia
Answer:
In Georgia, a landlord must return the full security deposit within one month after the lease ends or after the tenant surrenders the premises, whichever is later (Ga. Code § 44-7-34). If the landlord intends to keep any part of the deposit for damages, they must provide a written statement detailing the reasons for retention.
If the landlord fails to return the deposit within the specified time, they may lose the right to withhold any part of it (Ga. Code § 44-7-35). Additionally, if a landlord wrongfully withholds a security deposit, they could be liable for three times the amount withheld, plus attorney's fees.
If you have not received your deposit after two to three months, you should consider sending a written request for its return. If the landlord still does not respond appropriately, you may need to seek legal action to recover the deposit.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.