Georgia Rental Fees: Applications, Deposits & Move-Out

Georgia application and administration charges

Get a price breakdown before applying. IMT Buckhead on 26th in Atlanta publishes a $75 application fee per applicant, a $150 administration fee and security deposits starting at $150. These are property examples, not statewide prices, and the starting deposit is not a promise that everyone qualifies for that amount.

Georgia's two-month security-deposit limit

The Georgia Department of Community Affairs' landlord-tenant handbook states that a security deposit cannot exceed two months' rent. At an illustrative $1,700 monthly rent, that is a maximum of $3,400. It is a ceiling, not the deposit every landlord must charge.

A separate fee to apply or hold an apartment is not automatically a security deposit. Ask whether holding money will be credited, returned or kept if the rental does not proceed. Save that answer with the receipt.

Inspection and deposit-return rules

The handbook explains a 30-day return/accounting period after lease termination or leaving, whichever is later. A deduction should identify the damage, its estimated cost and the balance returned. Ordinary wear from normal use is not a damage charge.

Formal inspection rules apply to landlords with more than ten rental units, counting specified family ownership, or those using a management agent. The handbook describes a three-business-day landlord inspection and a five-business-day opportunity for the tenant to inspect after termination, with special timing when a departure is discovered later. Read the list before signing and record disagreements in writing.

Do not let renewal terms surprise you

A fixed-term lease may have a notice or automatic-renewal clause. Read it before planning the move rather than assuming the printed end date is the only step. If the landlord agrees to change the departure date or waive a charge, ask for the agreement in writing.

• List each application fee and any separate administration charge.
• Confirm the deposit and where earlier holding money is credited.
• Keep the original inspection checklist and dated photos.
• Request the move-out inspection process before handing over the keys.
• Provide a reliable mailing address for the final statement.

This guide focuses on ordinary Georgia residential rentals. Special housing programs and unusual termination circumstances need a separate review. If the inspection list or deduction is disputed, take your records to a Georgia tenant adviser or legal-aid service.