A Georgia security deposit demand letter should state the possession return date, deposit amount, current mailing address, what is missing, and what the landlord must do next. It should be a clear step in a process, not a one-shot threat.
Keep it clear and factual. In Georgia, the deadline is tied to when the landlord obtains possession of the rental unit, meaning when the landlord has the unit back. If deductions are claimed, the letter should ask for the written explanation, exact reasons for keeping money, final damage list, and refund balance.
One letter can solve some disputes, but many deposit problems need a sequence: document move-out, ask for the missing accounting, preserve your entitlement position, and send a final demand only if the landlord still does not fix the issue.
What the letter should include
- Landlord name and contact information
- Rental address
- Deposit amount paid
- Tenancy end date
- Move-out date
- Possession return or acceptance date
- Current mailing address
- What the landlord has or has not sent
- Any move-in list, move-out inspection, final damage list, or written disagreement with disputed items
- Why deductions are disputed, if deductions were claimed
- The amount or accounting being demanded
Use the correct deadline
Do not use the physical move-out date by itself. The stronger wording is 30 days after the landlord obtains possession of the rental unit. In plain English, that means the landlord has the unit back. Depending on the facts, that may involve termination and move-out, surrender and acceptance, or the landlord discovering that the unit was surrendered by vacancy.
If the landlord retained any amount, ask for the written statement identifying the exact reasons for retention, the final damage list if deductions are based on damage, and any refund balance due. Georgia allows mailing to the tenant's last known address by first-class mail, so include your current mailing address and keep proof of delivery.
Sample Georgia security deposit demand letter
Copy this sample and adjust it to match your facts. Keep the tone direct and practical.
[Date]
[Landlord Name]
[Landlord Mailing Address]
Re: Security deposit demand for [Rental Address]
Dear [Landlord Name],
I rented the unit at [Rental Address]. My tenancy ended on [Tenancy End Date], and I moved out on [Move-Out Date]. Possession was returned or accepted on [Possession Return or Acceptance Date], meaning you had the unit back.
I paid a security deposit of $[Deposit Amount]. My current mailing address is:
[Tenant Current Mailing Address]
More than 30 days have passed since you obtained possession of the rental unit. Under Georgia's security deposit article, O.C.G.A. sections 44-7-30 through 44-7-37, including O.C.G.A. sections 44-7-33, 44-7-34, and 44-7-35, I am requesting the return of my deposit or a compliant written statement explaining exactly what was kept and why.
If you claim any damage deductions, please provide the final damage list, the exact reasons for each retained amount, and the refund balance owed to me. Ordinary wear and tear is not a proper basis to keep deposit money. I also preserve all issues involving the move-in list, the move-out inspection, any final damage list, and any written disagreement with disputed items.
Please send $[Amount Demanded] or a compliant written explanation and refund balance within [5 to 7] business days.
I am preserving all remedies available under Georgia law, including remedies available where Georgia's security deposit article applies and the facts support them.
Sincerely,
[Tenant Name]
[Tenant Phone or Email]
Keep remedy language accurate
When Georgia's security deposit article applies, serious noncompliance can support strong remedies. A demand letter should ask for the return of what is owed and preserve remedies available under Georgia law where the statute applies and the facts support them. The facts that matter most are coverage, possession timing, inspection lists, written disagreement with disputed items, escrow or bond handling, and what the landlord kept.
Send it in a way you can prove
Keep a copy of the letter and proof of delivery. Email can be useful, but later-stage demands are stronger when you also have mailing proof.
How the 4-step sequence fits
The Georgia Recovery System uses four letters because the tone and purpose should change as the dispute develops. Step 1 builds the record before the fight starts. Step 2 asks for the missing refund or accounting. Step 3 preserves the stronger position when the landlord still has not complied. Step 4 is the final demand before court or another appropriate next step.
Related Georgia guides
If your demand letter involves claimed damage or disputed deductions, review these before you send it:
- Georgia security deposit damage list
- Georgia security deposit written dissent
- Georgia security deposit evidence guide
- Georgia security deposit deadline
Get the Deposit Recovery System
Important: This page provides general information and is not legal advice.