Two ways to rent in Georgia
The same free builder makes both — pick the one that fits and the agreement adapts automatically.
Standard Residential Lease Agreement
A fixed-term lease with set start and end dates (usually one year) — best for a long-term tenant.
Create a fixed-term leaseMonth-to-Month Rental Agreement
A flexible tenancy that renews each month and ends with proper written notice from either party.
Create a month-to-month agreementOverview
Renting out a home in Georgia? A residential lease agreement is the contract that protects both sides — it sets the rent, the term, the deposit, and the rules the landlord and tenant agree to, and it's your proof of what was agreed if a dispute ever comes up. Georgia residential tenancies are governed by Title 44, Chapter 7 of the Official Code of Georgia.
Georgialease rules & requirements
Security deposit
A 2024 Georgia law caps a residential security deposit at two months' rent. The landlord must return it, with a written itemized statement of any deductions, within 30 days after the tenant moves out. Missing the 30-day deadline can cost the landlord the right to keep any of the deposit.
Late fees
Georgia has no statute capping residential late fees or requiring a grace period, so the fee is set by the lease and should be reasonable. To be enforceable, any late fee must be written into the lease agreement.
Landlord entry & notice
Georgia has no statute setting how much notice a landlord must give before entering, so the lease controls. Spelling out a notice window — 24 hours is standard — protects both the landlord and the tenant.
Required disclosures
Before signing, the landlord must give written notice if the unit has flooded at least three times in the past five years, under OCGA section 44-7-20. The landlord must also disclose the name and address of the owner or the agent authorized to manage the property and receive notices, plus the federal lead-based-paint disclosure for homes built before 1978.
Ending the lease
A fixed-term lease simply ends on its end date. For a month-to-month tenancy, the landlord must give 60 days' notice while the tenant need only give 30 days' notice, under OCGA section 44-7-7.
Does it need notarizing?
No. A Georgia residential lease doesn't need to be notarized or witnessed — it's binding once the landlord and tenant(s) sign. Each party should keep a signed copy.
This is general information, not legal advice. Confirm the current rules under Georgia law (Official Code of Georgia Title 44, Chapter 7).
How to write a Georgia lease agreement
- 1
Choose the lease type — a fixed-term lease (set start and end dates) or a month-to-month tenancy.
- 2
Add the property details and the landlord's and tenant(s)' full legal names and addresses.
- 3
Set the monthly rent, the due date, accepted payment methods, and any late or NSF fees.
- 4
Set the security deposit (up to two months' rent) and when it's returned, plus any pet, parking, smoking, or utility terms.
- 5
Add the required disclosures (flood history, owner or agent identity, lead-based paint for pre-1978 homes) and any house rules.
- 6
The landlord and every tenant sign and date the lease — and each keeps a copy.
Ready to create your Georgia lease agreement?
Fill the form, watch it build live, and download the PDF — free, no signup.
Open the free builderWhat to include
- Landlord & tenant(s) — names and addresses
- Property, lease type & term
- Rent — amount, due date & payment methods
- Security deposit, late & NSF fees
- Pets, parking, smoking & utilities
- Disclosures & signatures
Georgia lease agreement FAQ
Does a Georgia residential lease need to be notarized?
No. A residential lease in Georgia doesn't have to be notarized or witnessed. It's legally binding once the landlord and tenant(s) sign it.
Is there a limit on the security deposit in Georgia?
Yes. A 2024 Georgia law caps a residential security deposit at two months' rent. The exact amount within that limit is set by the lease.
How long does a Georgia landlord have to return the deposit?
30 days after the tenant moves out, along with a written itemized statement of any deductions. A landlord who misses the deadline can lose the right to keep any part of the deposit.
How much can a late fee be in Georgia?
There's no statutory cap in Georgia, so the late fee is whatever the lease sets — and it should be reasonable. To be enforceable, the fee must be written into the lease.
How much notice ends a month-to-month lease in Georgia?
It depends who is ending it. Under OCGA section 44-7-7, the landlord must give 60 days' written notice, while the tenant need only give 30 days' notice.
Does the landlord have to give notice before entering in Georgia?
Georgia has no statute setting a notice period, so the lease governs. Including a 24-hour notice clause is standard practice and protects both sides.
What must a Georgia lease disclose?
Written notice if the unit flooded at least three times in the past five years (OCGA section 44-7-20), the name and address of the owner or managing agent, and the federal lead-based-paint disclosure for pre-1978 homes.
Is this Georgia lease agreement really free?
Yes — completely. Fill it in, preview it live, and download the PDF with no signup, no credit card, and no watermark. Unlike sites that charge a fee or push a subscription to download, there's nothing to pay here.