Move-In / Move-Out Checklist in Georgia

Record the condition of each room on move-in and again on move-out, with photos. It is the best evidence in a security deposit dispute. Some states require a move-in condition form.

What Georgia law says

Itemized deductions	If any amount is kept, the landlord must give a written statement of the specific reasons within 30 days, with the itemized damage list if damage is claimed, and the balance due. No deduction for normal wear and tear. Landlords with more than 10 units or a fee-paid management agent must also give a move-in damage list and do a move-out inspection within 3 business days, giving the tenant a signed damage list; the tenant may inspect within 5 business days and sign or note disagreements. Official code not freely readable online; §§ 44-7-33 and 44-7-34 text verified on a public code mirror (code year 2024, current as of March 28, 2024). The Legislative Counsel's summaries of general statutes enacted in 2025 and 2026 list no amendment to these sections. A tenant who signs the move-out list, or does not dissent item by item in writing, generally cannot later contest those deductions, if the lists told the tenant of the duty to sign or dissent (§ 44-7-33(c)). Source: O.C.G.A. §§ 44-7-33, 44-7-34
Wear and tear / move-out charges	A landlord may not keep any part of the deposit for ordinary wear and tear from using the premises as intended, as long as there was no negligence, carelessness, accident, or abuse by the tenant, household members, invitees, or guests. Deductions are allowed for unpaid rent and late fees, abandonment, unpaid utilities, repair or cleaning the tenant contracted for with third parties, unpaid pet fees, and actual damages from the tenant's breach (with mitigation). The state handbook adds that repair charges should reflect the item's condition at move-in (e.g., the value of a ten-year-old carpet, not a new one) and must be reasonable, and that landlords generally are not responsible for carpet cleaning during the tenancy unless the lease says so. Official code not freely readable online; text verified on a public code mirror (code year 2024). Retained amounts must be itemized in a written statement that includes the move-out damage list required by § 44-7-33. Source: O.C.G.A. § 44-7-34(a); Georgia Landlord-Tenant Handbook (DCA, rev. 8-29-24), pp. 11, 15

Itemized deductions

If any amount is kept, the landlord must give a written statement of the specific reasons within 30 days, with the itemized damage list if damage is claimed, and the balance due. No deduction for normal wear and tear. Landlords with more than 10 units or a fee-paid management agent must also give a move-in damage list and do a move-out inspection within 3 business days, giving the tenant a signed damage list; the tenant may inspect within 5 business days and sign or note disagreements.

Official code not freely readable online; §§ 44-7-33 and 44-7-34 text verified on a public code mirror (code year 2024, current as of March 28, 2024). The Legislative Counsel's summaries of general statutes enacted in 2025 and 2026 list no amendment to these sections. A tenant who signs the move-out list, or does not dissent item by item in writing, generally cannot later contest those deductions, if the lists told the tenant of the duty to sign or dissent (§ 44-7-33(c)).

Source: O.C.G.A. §§ 44-7-33, 44-7-34

Wear and tear / move-out charges

A landlord may not keep any part of the deposit for ordinary wear and tear from using the premises as intended, as long as there was no negligence, carelessness, accident, or abuse by the tenant, household members, invitees, or guests. Deductions are allowed for unpaid rent and late fees, abandonment, unpaid utilities, repair or cleaning the tenant contracted for with third parties, unpaid pet fees, and actual damages from the tenant's breach (with mitigation). The state handbook adds that repair charges should reflect the item's condition at move-in (e.g., the value of a ten-year-old carpet, not a new one) and must be reasonable, and that landlords generally are not responsible for carpet cleaning during the tenancy unless the lease says so.

Official code not freely readable online; text verified on a public code mirror (code year 2024). Retained amounts must be itemized in a written statement that includes the move-out damage list required by § 44-7-33.

Source: O.C.G.A. § 44-7-34(a); Georgia Landlord-Tenant Handbook (DCA, rev. 8-29-24), pp. 11, 15

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MOVE-IN / MOVE-OUT CONDITION CHECKLIST — [rental address]

Tenant: [tenant name] Landlord: [landlord name]

Move-in date: [move-in date] Move-out date: [move-out date]

Living room — walls, floors, windows, lights: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Kitchen — appliances, cabinets, sink, counters: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Bathroom(s) — toilet, tub/shower, sink, fan: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Bedroom(s) — walls, floors, closets, windows: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms tested: move-in ______ / move-out ______ Keys given: [number of keys]

Photos taken on: [photo dates]. Signed by tenant ____________ and landlord ____________

Move-In / Move-Out Checklist for other states · Georgia tenant rights

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.