Most residential landlords require tenants to pay a security deposit to cover any repairs needed when the tenant moves out, or to cover the tenant’s failure to pay the last month's rent.

Laws vary from state to state, but many states have statutes that provide the maximum amount of security deposit a landlord may require for a residential lease and the costs for which the landlord may use the security deposit (cleaning, repairs, unpaid rent) following termination of the lease.

These laws also provide a specific deadline (often 30-60 days) for the landlord to return the tenant’s security deposit following termination of the lease—after deducting any amount properly withheld, as allowed by law.

In Georgia, the regulations regarding security deposits are governed by the Georgia Landlord-Tenant Handbook. Georgia law does not limit the amount a landlord can charge for a security deposit. However, it does require landlords to provide an initial inspection list of existing damages to the property, which the tenant has the right to inspect and sign. Upon termination of the lease, the landlord must return the security deposit within one month after the tenant has surrendered the rental property. The landlord is allowed to use the security deposit for unpaid rent, repair of damages caused by the tenant beyond normal wear and tear, and cleaning the premises to return the property to the same condition as at the beginning of the tenancy. If the landlord retains any portion of the security deposit, a written statement listing the exact reasons for the retention must be provided to the tenant. If the landlord fails to comply with these requirements, they may forfeit their right to withhold any portion of the security deposit.