Step-by-step eviction timeline, notice requirements, and court process for Georgia landlords. Updated April 2026.
| Ground | Notice Required | Curable? | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nonpayment of Rent | Demand for possession (no cure period) | No | O.C.G.A. § 44-7-50 |
| Lease Violation | Per lease terms | Yes | O.C.G.A. § 44-7-50 |
| Holdover Tenant (Month-to-Month) | 60 days | No | O.C.G.A. § 44-7-7 |
| Holdover Tenant (Fixed-Term) | None (lease expired) | No | O.C.G.A. § 44-7-50 |
| Criminal Activity | Immediate | No | O.C.G.A. § 44-7-50 |
Make a demand for possession of the premises, either verbally or in writing. While Georgia does not require a formal notice period for nonpayment, a written demand is recommended for documentation purposes. For lease violations, follow any notice provisions in the lease agreement.
File a dispossessory affidavit in magistrate court for the county where the property is located. The affidavit must state the grounds for eviction and that the landlord has made a demand for possession. Include the lease agreement and proof of nonpayment or breach. Pay the filing fee.
The tenant is served by the marshal or sheriff with a copy of the affidavit and a summons. The tenant has 7 days from service to file a written answer with the court. If the tenant does not answer within 7 days, the landlord may request a default judgment for possession.
If the tenant files an answer, the court schedules a hearing, typically within 7 to 14 days. Both parties present evidence. If the landlord prevails (or obtains a default), the court issues a writ of possession.
After the writ is issued, the marshal or sheriff executes it by removing the tenant from the premises. The landlord may then change the locks and secure the property. Georgia law allows the landlord to place the tenant's property at the curb if it is not removed.
| Filing Fee | $60-$200 |
|---|---|
| Service Fee | $25-$75 |
| Attorney | $500-$1,500 |
Georgia property managers frequently handle dispossessory proceedings. Magistrate courts in Georgia generally allow property managers to file and present cases on behalf of the property owner. Property managers should document the demand for possession, prepare the dispossessory affidavit, coordinate with the marshal for service, and attend the hearing. Many Georgia management companies include basic eviction coordination in their management fee, while more complex contested cases may require attorney involvement. Eviction fees typically range from $150 to $500.
No. Self-help evictions are prohibited under O.C.G.A. § 44-7-14.1. A landlord cannot change locks, shut off utilities, or remove a tenant's belongings without a court order. All evictions must proceed through the dispossessory process in magistrate court.
Georgia has one of the fastest eviction processes. With no mandatory cure period, the landlord can file immediately after demanding possession. Uncontested cases (no tenant answer within 7 days) can be resolved in about 2 weeks. Contested cases typically take 3-4 weeks.
No. Georgia does not require a formal pay-or-quit notice with a cure period. The landlord must demand possession, but there is no mandatory waiting period before filing the dispossessory affidavit. This makes Georgia one of the fastest states for initiating eviction.
Yes. The tenant may appeal a magistrate court judgment to the superior court within 7 days. An appeal may require the tenant to post a bond. Pending appeal, the writ of possession is typically stayed, which can delay enforcement by several weeks.
Knox-powered portfolio management keeps your leases, documents, and financials organized in one place.