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    Georgia Security Deposit Return Letter

    Landlords must return the deposit, or mail a written statement of the exact reasons for any amount kept with the balance, within 30 days after obtaining possession of the unit (O.C.G.A. § 44-7-34(a)). The security deposit return letter below is preset for Georgia: fill in your details, then print it or save it as a PDF.

    State rules last verified: · Researched and cited by MakeLease · not yet attorney-reviewed

    Georgia rules for a security deposit return letter

    Deadline to return the security deposit
    30 days after move-out O.C.G.A. § 44-7-34(a) (2018 Ga. Laws Act 482, HB 834 § 3), O.C.G.A. § 44-7-34(a)
    Itemized list of deductions
    Required O.C.G.A. §§ 44-7-33, 44-7-34
    Penalty for a late or improper return
    Three times the amount improperly withheld plus reasonable attorney's fees (only the amount withheld for a bona fide, unintentional error); failure to provide required lists and statements forfeits the right to withhold any of the deposit O.C.G.A. § 44-7-35 (2018 Ga. Laws Act 482, HB 834 § 3), O.C.G.A. § 44-7-35

    Security Deposit Return Letter generator

    State and dates

    Georgia: Landlords must return the deposit, or mail a written statement of the exact reasons for any amount kept with the balance, within 30 days after obtaining possession of the unit (O.C.G.A. § 44-7-34(a)).

    The day the tenant moved out and returned the keys.

    Deadline under Georgia's main rule: November 30, 2026 (30 calendar days after the move-out date, October 31, 2026). Read the state rule above for conditions that change it.

    Parties

    Everyone named on the lease. Separate names with commas.

    Where you are sending this letter and any refund. Use the address the tenant gave you in writing.

    Deposit

    $
    $

    Only if your state, city or lease requires interest on deposits. Leave empty otherwise.

    Itemized deductions

    One line per charge: what it is for and the amount. Unused lines are left out. Georgia: Landlords who keep any part of the deposit must give the tenant a written statement of the exact reasons, including the itemized damage list with estimated dollar values when damage is the reason (O.C.G.A. §§ 44-7-33(b), 44-7-34(a)).

    $
    $
    $
    $
    $
    $

    Several states require supporting documents for repair or cleaning charges. Attach them when you have them.

    Refund or balance

    For example, a note that an estimate will be followed by the final invoice.

    Blank PDF

    Free, no account needed. Showing example details. Replace them with yours.

    Security Deposit Return Letter

    Itemized statement of deductions

    Date:November 12, 2026
    Rental property:123 Maple Street, Unit 4, Springfield
    To (former tenants):Alex Morgan, Sam Rivera
    Forwarding address:88 Birch Road, Apt 2, Shelbyville
    From (landlord):Jordan Ellis, 500 Oak Avenue, Springfield
    Move-out date:October 31, 2026

    Dear Alex Morgan, Sam Rivera:

    This letter accounts for the security deposit you paid for 123 Maple Street, Unit 4, Springfield. You moved out on October 31, 2026. Below is an itemized list of each amount deducted from the deposit and the reason for it, followed by the balance.

    Itemized deductions

    No.Description of chargeAmount
    1Patch and paint hole in bedroom wall$180.00
    2Replace broken bathroom mirror$95.50
    3Remove furniture and trash left in garage$150.00
    Total deductions$425.50

    Deposit accounting

    ItemAmount
    Security deposit received$1,800.00
    Less total deductions- $425.50
    Amount refunded to tenant$1,374.50

    The refund of $1,374.50 is enclosed or sent with this letter by check no. 1043 on November 12, 2026.

    Copies of receipts, invoices or estimates supporting the deductions are enclosed.

    If you have questions about any deduction, contact Jordan Ellis at (555) 010-2030.

    Deposit return rules for Georgia: O.C.G.A. § 44-7-34(a) (2018 Ga. Laws Act 482, HB 834 § 3).
    Landlord or agent signature (Jordan Ellis)
    Date

    Made free at make.lease/forms/security-deposit-return-letter

    What Georgia requires

    Deadline to return the security deposit

    Landlords must return the deposit, or mail a written statement of the exact reasons for any amount kept with the balance, within 30 days after obtaining possession of the unit (O.C.G.A. § 44-7-34(a)).

    O.C.G.A. § 44-7-34(a) (2018 Ga. Laws Act 482, HB 834 § 3), O.C.G.A. § 44-7-34(a) · checked October 26, 2026

    Itemized list of deductions

    Landlords who keep any part of the deposit must give the tenant a written statement of the exact reasons, including the itemized damage list with estimated dollar values when damage is the reason (O.C.G.A. §§ 44-7-33(b), 44-7-34(a)).

    O.C.G.A. §§ 44-7-33, 44-7-34 · checked October 26, 2026

    Penalty for a late or improper return

    Unless exempt as a small landlord under § 44-7-36, a landlord who wrongfully keeps any part of a deposit owes the tenant three times the amount improperly withheld plus reasonable attorney's fees, or only the amount withheld if the landlord proves an unintentional bona fide error (O.C.G.A. §§ 44-7-35(c), 44-7-36).

    O.C.G.A. § 44-7-35 (2018 Ga. Laws Act 482, HB 834 § 3), O.C.G.A. § 44-7-35 · checked October 26, 2026

    If move-out falls on October 31, 2026, 30 calendar days later is November 30, 2026. The form computes this deadline from the dates you enter and shows it under the letter date.

    City and county rules can be stricter than state law, and your lease can require more than the statute does. Use whichever rule gives the tenant more time or protection.

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