Georgia · GA

Demand letters in Georgia.

In Georgia, landlords must return a deposit within 30 days, and the Magistrate Court hears claims up to $15,000. Here's the law you need — and a generator that cites it for you.

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By The Demand Letter Kit Team Sourced from official statutesUpdated June 1, 2026

Georgia demand letter facts at a glance

Deposit return deadline

30 days

Small claims limit

$15,000

Filing fee

About $50–$80

Written-contract SOL

6 years

Personal-injury SOL

2 years

Legal/judgment interest

7% per year (post-judgment, set annually); contract default 7% where no rate is stated.

Security deposit demand letters in Georgia

If your former landlord is holding your deposit, Georgia law is on your side. A landlord must return your security deposit within 30 days, along with an itemized statement of any deductions. Bad-faith retention can expose the landlord to treble (3×) the sum wrongfully withheld plus attorney’s fees.

Governing statute: Ga. Code § 44-7-30 to § 44-7-37 · read it

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Statutes of limitation in Georgia

A demand letter doesn't pause the clock — you must file suit within these windows:

Written contracts 6 years
Oral contracts 4 years
Personal injury 2 years
Property damage 4 years

Small claims court in Georgia

If your demand letter is ignored, Georgia's Magistrate Court is usually the next step. It hears claims up to $15,000, with filing fees around About $50–$80. You typically don't need a lawyer, and mentioning that you're prepared to file gives your letter real weight.

Georgia courts self-help

Good to know in Georgia

Georgia requires deposits back within 30 days and mandates a move-in/move-out inspection list, so the condition documentation is central to any dispute. Bad-faith retention can trigger treble damages plus attorney’s fees. The small claims forum is the Magistrate Court, with a generous $15,000 limit, and filing is straightforward. Because Georgia’s personal-injury limitations period is only two years, send any injury-related demand without delay.

Common demand letters in Georgia

Each generator automatically applies Georgia law where it matters.

Security Deposit Demand Letter

A formal letter demanding the return of your security deposit, citing your move-out date and your state’s legal deadline.

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Unpaid Invoice Demand Letter

A firm final notice that tells a non-paying client exactly what they owe, by when, and what happens if they ignore it.

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Contractor Dispute Demand Letter

A formal letter demanding a contractor finish the work, fix defective work, or refund your money under your agreement.

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Debt Collection Demand Letter

A formal letter demanding repayment of money you are owed on a personal loan, IOU, or other unpaid debt.

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Property Damage Demand Letter

A formal letter demanding payment from whoever damaged your property, backed by repair estimates and photos.

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Unpaid Wages Demand Letter

A formal letter demanding an employer pay wages, overtime, or a final paycheck you earned and are owed.

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Georgia demand letter FAQ

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Georgia?
In Georgia, a landlord generally must return your security deposit within 30 days. Bad-faith retention can expose the landlord to treble (3×) the sum wrongfully withheld plus attorney’s fees. The governing statute is Ga. Code § 44-7-30 to § 44-7-37.
What is the small claims court limit in Georgia?
Georgia's Magistrate Court hears claims up to $15,000, with filing fees of roughly About $50–$80. Most demand-letter disputes fall within this limit, which is what makes a demand letter such effective leverage.
How long do I have to sue in Georgia?
Georgia's statute of limitations is 6 years for written contracts, 4 years for oral contracts, 2 years for personal injury, and 4 years for property damage. Sending a demand letter does not pause these deadlines, so don't wait too long.
Do I have to send a demand letter before filing in Georgia?
Georgia does not always require a demand letter before suing, but sending one is strongly recommended: many courts expect it, it can resolve the dispute without filing, and it documents that you tried to settle in good faith — which helps your case if you do end up in Magistrate Court.

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