Georgia security deposit account for landlords
Easily collect and manage deposits for every property with dedicated security deposit accounts.
Why use a security deposit account in {{ state }}
Security deposit funds are instantly separated, making move-in, move-out, and returns completely clear.
Benefits for property
owners
Repair and maintenance
Covers property damage such as paint, carpet, or floor damage, including costs caused by pets.
Fund separation
Meet state requirements for holding deposits in a dedicated tenant security deposit account.
Streamlined returns
Simplifies refunding tenants while accounting for deductions like cleaning or unpaid utilities.
Benefits for tenants
Fair protection
Funds are protected from misuse, covering only actual repair costs like cleaning, carpet replacement, or floor damage.
Transparency on deductions
Tenants can clearly see allowable charges, protecting against unfair claims on normal wear and tear.
Savings potential
Deposits may be held in a tenant security deposit account or rental deposit account that earns security deposit interest, helping tenants recover more than they put in.
Baselane accounts cannot hold security deposits in states requiring escrow or state-based accounts, but can be used to collect, track, and securely transfer deposits to compliant external accounts.
{{ state }} security deposit account
A tenant deposit in Georgia must be placed in an escrow account with a state or federally insured, Georgia-based financial institution. Landlords must inform the tenant of the location of the funds or post a surety bond equal to the amount of the deposit.
{{ state }} security deposit
limits
The maximum security deposit in Georgia is 2 months’ rent.
{{ state }} security deposit interest
Interest on security deposit in Georgia is not legally required.
Go beyond standard security deposit accounts
Collect, return, and track deposits by tenant and
property, even when funds are held in external accounts.
{{ state }} security deposit accounts
Keep every deposit organized and accounted for with secure transfers to [State] security deposit accounts.
Unlimited accounts for all entities
Manage deposits for all entities under one login — LLCs, corporations, partnerships, and individuals.
Free online payments
Collect rent and deposits online for free and easily return deposits via ACH, wire, or check.
Automated bookkeeping
Track and tag payments to the right tenant and property — automatically.
Essentials for every door
Everything you need for every part of the rental process.
Lease creation and e-sign
Upload or create and e-sign state-specific leases online.
Free tenant screening
Screen tenants online for free — instantly verify credit, background, evictions, ID, and income.
Property-specific accounts
Open unlimited checking and savings accounts to easily separate funds for all your properties with no monthly maintenance fees.
{{ state }} security deposit rules
2 months' rent
No
Escrow account with a state or federally insured, Georgia-based financial institution. The tenant must be informed of the location of the security deposit bank account in Georgia.
Unpaid rent or fees, house repairs, lease breaches, and cleaning costs
30 days
Additional resources
ARTICLE
How to collect security deposits
FAQs
How much security deposit can a landlord charge in Georgia?
Georgia's security deposit limit is 2 months' rent. Landlords can charge first and last month's rent plus the security deposit, as prepaid rent is not included in the security deposit cap.
Is interest required on tenant security deposits in Georgia?
No, in Georgia, security deposit interest is not required. Landlords must keep the deposit in an escrow account with a Georgia-based bank and notify the tenant of the location of the landlord tenant security deposit bank account in Georgia.
How should I issue a security deposit receipt to tenants in Georgia?
A receipt isn't legally required, but it's a best practice to send one to the tenant. Include the name and address of the financial institution where the deposit is held in an escrow account, or provide the details of the surety bond if one is used instead.
How many days to return the security deposit in Georgia?
When the tenancy ends, the landlord has 30 days to return the full security deposit amount or give a written, itemized list of deductions along with the remaining deposit.
What can a landlord deduct from a security deposit in Georgia?
Under Georgia law, the landlord's rights security deposit allows deductions for unpaid rent and damage to the property (house rental, apartment, condo) that goes beyond normal wear and tear (e.g., floor damage). If the landlord holds funds for normal wear and tear, the tenant can sue and hold the landlord accountable for double damages.
Can a security deposit be used for unpaid rent in Georgia?
Yes, landlords can use a security deposit escrow account in Georgia to cover any unpaid rent that the tenant owes. But the landlord needs to let the tenant know about any deductions before they actually make them.
Can a landlord keep a security deposit for breaking a lease in Georgia?
Yes, a landlord's security deposit in Georgia can be used to cover any loss that the landlord faces if the tenant breaks the lease early, only if agreed upon in the lease agreement. The deposit can be used to cover any rent that's due until the landlord finds a new tenant to fill the vacancy.
