HB687: HB687 Property; landlord and tenant; security deposits; provisions

Under current Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 44-7-33), landlords must give tenants a list of existing damage to a rental unit that the tenant can inspect and sign before move-in. This bill adds a new requirement: before a landlord can accept a security deposit, the tenant must be given a comprehensive list of any existing damage to the premises and an itemization of all fees tied to the lease. The rest of the existing process stays in place. The tenant can inspect the premises to check the list's accuracy before moving in, and both landlord and tenant sign it. A signed list is treated as conclusive proof of accuracy, though not for hidden (latent) defects. If a tenant disagrees with any item, they must write out their specific objections and sign that statement of dissent. The bill repeals any conflicting laws but does not state a separate effective date beyond standard enactment.

• Requires landlords to present tenants with a full list of any existing damage to the rental unit before the tenant hands over a security deposit.
• Requires that list to also include an itemization of all fees connected to the tenant's lease.
• Keeps the tenant's existing right to inspect the premises and check the list's accuracy before taking occupancy.
• Preserves the rule that a signed damage list is conclusive evidence of accuracy except for hidden defects discovered later.
• Keeps the requirement that a tenant who disagrees with the list must state objections in writing and sign a dissent statement.

The bill affects residential and other landlords covered by Georgia's security deposit law and their tenants, since it changes what documentation must be provided before a tenant pays a security deposit.

Tenants would get written information about property condition and lease fees before paying a deposit, which could help them dispute unfair damage claims or hidden fees later. Landlords would need to prepare this itemized list and fee breakdown before collecting deposits.

• Section 1 revises subsection (a) of O.C.G.A. § 44-7-33 to require a comprehensive existing-damage list and an itemization of all lease-related fees before a security deposit is tendered.
• Section 1 retains the tenant's right to inspect the premises before occupancy to verify the list's accuracy.
• Section 1 keeps the rule that a signed list is conclusive evidence of accuracy but not conclusive as to latent (hidden) defects.
• Section 1 keeps the requirement that a tenant who refuses to sign must specify in writing the items they dispute and sign that dissent statement.
• Section 2 repeals all laws and parts of laws that conflict with the Act.

1. 2025-03-04House Second Readers (House)
2. 2025-03-03House First Readers (House)
3. 2025-02-28House Hopper (House)

• Omari Crawford (D, HD-089)Primary sponsor
• Mary Oliver (D, HD-084)
• Inga Willis (D, HD-055)
• Saira Draper (D, HD-090)
• Spencer Frye (D, HD-122)

• landlord-tenant law
• security deposits
• rental housing
• lease fees