Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Georgia

Can a landlord keep my security deposit if I move after 1 week? I paid a security deposit and pro-rated rent for the month of December. During the move-in walk through I noticed several issues: A bedroom window is cracked, both tubs are leaking, the garbage disposal does not work(will not even come on), the cold water does not have a knob to turn on for the washing machine, there are no closet door knobs, the ac does not blow cold air. I mentioned all of these things and marked them on the move-in sheet and was told they would be fixed. After one week nothing has been done and I keep getting told maintenance is "on the way" and days later no one has showed up. I told the leasing office that I wanted my security deposit so that I can move to a different complex, and was told I could not get it back if I "broke" my lease. Is this legal? It seems to me they want to keep my money, have me pay rent, and get off scott free from all maintenance responsibilities.


Asked on 12/28/15, 11:26 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Scott Riddle Law Office of Scott B. Riddle, LLC

You are not asking the right question, and are skipping right over the most important issue - your lease. Your relationship with the landlord is governed by your contract. Some of the issues they should fix, some are less important, and it is also a holiday week with record rain in some areas. Start by googling "Georgia Landlord Tenant Handbook."

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Answered on 12/28/15, 11:34 am


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