The Georgia Code Title 44 Chapter 7 Article II Section 44-7-31 requires a landlord to maintain a tenant’s security deposit in trust in the following manner:
Placement of Security Deposit in Trust in Escrow Account
Except as provided in Code Section 44-7-32, whenever a security deposit is held by a landlord or such landlord’s agent on behalf of a tenant, such security deposit shall be deposited in an escrow account established only for that purpose in any bank or lending institution subject to regulation by this state or any agency of the United States government. The security deposit shall be held in trust for the tenant by the landlord or such landlord’s agent except as provided in Code Section 44-7-34. Tenants shall be informed in writing of the location of the escrow account required by this Code section.
O.C.G.A. 44-7-31
Exemptions
Code Sections 44-7-31, 44-7-32, 44-7-33, and 44-7-35 shall not apply to rental units which are owned by a natural person if such natural person, his or her spouse, and his or her minor children collectively own ten or fewer rental units; provided, however, that this exemption does not apply to units for which management, including rent collection, is performed by third persons, natural or otherwise, for a fee.
O.C.G.A. 44-7-36
See also Georgia Tenant Rental Property Rights and Prohibitions.
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