What are the laws governing the return of a security deposit after a tenant moves out?

In the state of Georgia, the laws governing the return of a security deposit after a tenant moves out are as follows. The landlord must return the deposit to the tenant within one month of the date when the tenant leaves the property. It is important to keep in mind that the landlord is only able to deduct any amounts they are owed from the security deposit for damages, unpaid rent, and unpaid bills. If the tenant has paid all sums owed to the landlord, the landlord must return the deposit within the one-month timeframe and provide the tenant with a detailed list of deductions and an itemized statement with any amounts kept. Additionally, the landlord must provide proof of payment of any bills deducted from the deposit. If the landlord fails to return the deposit within the agreed-upon timeframe, the tenant is entitled to file a lawsuit against the landlord in the superior court. The tenant may be entitled to up to three times the amount of the deposit and reasonable attorney’s fees. In most cases, it is best for the tenant and landlord to have a mutual agreement regarding the return of the security deposit, in order to avoid any potential legal action. Therefore, it is important to have an understanding of the applicable laws governing the return of a security deposit in the state of Georgia before signing a rental agreement.

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What are the laws governing the return of a security deposit after a tenant moves out?

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