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States/Georgia/Move-Out Charges
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Georgia renter guide

Georgia Move-Out Charges: What to Review

A Georgia move-out bill should be broken into actual categories: damage, cleaning, unpaid rent, utilities, fees or other claimed losses. The supporting procedure can depend on whether the security-deposit inspection rules apply to the landlord.

Last reviewed: August 30, 20263 sources cited
Ordinary wearExcluded

Ordinary wear and tear is not a valid basis for retaining the security deposit.

Damage withholdingList + amount

Covered landlords use the statutory damage-list process; written retention reasons are required under the refund framework.

What to compare against the charge

  • Move-in condition list and photos.
  • Move-out inspection/damage list if applicable.
  • Invoices, estimates or repair details behind the amount.
  • Lease provisions for cleaning, pets, utilities and late charges.
  • Whether the condition reflects damage or ordinary wear.

Replacement cost deserves context

Georgia DCA materials emphasize that a replacement claim should reflect the value of what was damaged rather than automatically charging the tenant the full cost of a brand-new replacement.

Scope matters. Georgia’s inspection and escrow provisions include a limited small-landlord exemption. Confirm the ownership and management structure before applying those procedures to a specific rental.

Sources

Georgia Department of Community AffairsGeorgia Landlord-Tenant Handbook ↗

Official Georgia renter/landlord handbook covering security deposits, inspection procedures, refund timing and ordinary wear.

Current Georgia Code text mirrorO.C.G.A. § 44-7-33 — damage lists and inspection ↗

Current statutory text for move-in damage lists, move-out inspections, tenant review and dissent. Cross-checked against Georgia DCA guidance.

Current Georgia Code text mirrorO.C.G.A. § 44-7-34 — return and deductions ↗

Current statutory text for 30-day return, written retention reasons and ordinary-wear exclusion. Cross-checked against official Georgia guidance.

Related Georgia guides

Security Deposit →Two-Month Deposit Limit →30-Day Deposit Rule →Move-Out Inspection →