Eviction in Lowndes County (Valdosta), Georgia

Where eviction cases are filed in Lowndes County (Valdosta), what it costs, local rent levels and where to get help — with the official court, county and HUD sources.

Quick facts: eviction in Lowndes County (Valdosta)

Eviction court: Magistrate Court of Lowndes County - Civil Division — Magistrate Court Court page
Filing fee: Affidavit of Dispossessory: $75 total ($22 filing fee, $10 ADR surcharge, $25 service of process, $15 Indigent Defense Program, $3 Retirement Fund). Writ of Possession for Dispossessory: $50. Magistrate Court of Lowndes County Fee Schedule (updated August 2026)
Notice before filing (state law): Before filing a dispossessory affidavit for unpaid rent, late fees, utilities, or other charges, the landlord must give the tenant a notice to vacate or pay all past-due amounts within three business days. The notice must be posted in a sealed envelope conspicuously on the door of the property AND delivered by any additional method(s) agreed upon in the rental agreement. Georgia rules
HUD Fair Market Rent, 2-bedroom (FY2026): $1,192/month HUD
Renter households: 19,884 (43% of households) Census ACS 2020–2024

Last verified against official sources: 2026-10-28

Where eviction cases are filed in Lowndes County (Valdosta)

Eviction cases in Lowndes County (Valdosta) are heard by the Magistrate Court of Lowndes County - Civil Division (Magistrate Court).

Lowndes County Judicial Complex - Magistrate Court (2nd floor) — 327 N. Ashley St., 2nd Floor, Valdosta, GA 31601 (229-671-2610; Mon-Fri 8-5) · website

Court eviction page

The Civil Division hears dispossessory actions (evictions) and claims of $15,000 or less. The court accepts e-filing (Lowndes County E-File / eFileGA) and has a public portal and hearing calendar online. Effective July 1, 2023, appeals or petitions for review of a final judgment are filed in the Superior Court of Lowndes County.

How much it costs to file an eviction in Lowndes County (Valdosta)

Affidavit of Dispossessory: $75 total ($22 filing fee, $10 ADR surcharge, $25 service of process, $15 Indigent Defense Program, $3 Retirement Fund). Writ of Possession for Dispossessory: $50.

From the court's official fee schedule PDF (document titled October 19, 2023; text reads 'Updated August 2026').

Source: Magistrate Court of Lowndes County Fee Schedule (updated August 2026)

The Georgia eviction process

Georgia state law sets the notice periods and court steps everywhere in the state, including Lowndes County (Valdosta):

Demand for possession; for nonpayment, a notice to vacate or pay within 3 business days, posted in a sealed envelope on the door and delivered by any additional method in the lease (O.C.G.A. § 44-7-50(c)-(d))
Landlord files a sworn dispossessory affidavit
Summons served by sheriff/deputy, constable, or (since 7/1/2025) an approved process server: personal service, an adult resident, or post-and-mail the same day; tack-and-mail alone supports possession but not a money judgment if tenant defaults
Tenant answers orally or in writing within 7 days of service (tendering all rent allegedly owed plus the cost of the dispossessory warrant within 7 days of service is a complete defense, which the landlord must accept only once in any 12-month period); if the case is not decided within 2 weeks, tenant must pay rent into court
Hearing (usually within about 7 days if a valid defense is raised); judgment
Writ of possession after 7 days; sheriff supervises removal and property is placed on landlord's land. Either party may appeal within 7 days; tenant must pay rent into court to stay in the unit

Full Georgia eviction rules with sources →

Rent in Lowndes County (Valdosta)

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents for the Valdosta, GA MSA (the rent levels used for Section 8 vouchers):

Studio	$915
1 bedroom	$921
2 bedrooms	$1,192
3 bedrooms	$1,583
4 bedrooms	$1,915

Source: HUD Fair Market Rent documentation

Median gross rent in Lowndes County (Valdosta): $1,052/month (Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates).

County tenant ordinance

No county-level landlord-tenant ordinance identified; eviction procedure follows state law. City rules, if any, are on city pages.

Eviction help in Lowndes County (Valdosta)

Free legal help

Georgia Legal Services Program (GLSP) — Serves the 154 Georgia counties outside metro Atlanta (Lowndes is not one of the excluded metro counties); 1-833-GLSPLAW (1-833-457-7529) or apply online.

Tenant and eviction lawyers in Lowndes County (Valdosta)

Other Georgia counties

Frequently asked questions

Where do I file an eviction in Lowndes County (Valdosta)?

Eviction cases in Lowndes County (Valdosta) are filed with the Magistrate Court of Lowndes County - Civil Division.

How much does it cost to file an eviction in Lowndes County (Valdosta)?

Affidavit of Dispossessory: $75 total ($22 filing fee, $10 ADR surcharge, $25 service of process, $15 Indigent Defense Program, $3 Retirement Fund). Writ of Possession for Dispossessory: $50.

Where can I get help with an eviction in Lowndes County (Valdosta)?

Georgia Legal Services Program (GLSP).

What is the fair market rent in Lowndes County (Valdosta)?

HUD's FY2026 Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom unit is $1,192 per month (1-bedroom: $921).

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.