Savannah Landlord Laws, the 2026 Quick Guide (Post HB 404)
Savannah operates under Georgia state landlord-tenant law (post HB 404, Safe at Home Act 2024) with Chatham County and City of Savannah overlays. HB 404 added the 2-month deposit cap and the 3-business-day pay-or-quit notice. This is the Savannah-specific quick reference for 2026.
- Security deposit: 2-month cap (OCGA 44-7-30.1, post HB 404).
- Return deadline: 30 days (OCGA 44-7-34).
- Pay-or-quit: 3 business days (OCGA 44-7-50(c), post HB 404).
- Implied warranty of habitability: OCGA 44-7-13.
- Rent control: preempted (HB 1029).
Savannah overlay: - Savannah Property Maintenance Code. - Chatham County Magistrate Court: dispossessories. - Lead-based paint: federal + GA Department of Public Health. - Historic district restrictions: many Savannah rentals are in historic districts with maintenance requirements. - Hurricane disclosure: relevant for coastal properties (no statewide statute). - No just-cause eviction.
## Savannah dispossessory process
Savannah evictions go through Chatham County Magistrate Court:
- 3-business-day pay-or-quit.
- Dispossessory affidavit.
- Tenant 7-day answer.
- Trial within 14-21 days.
- Writ of possession.
Filing dispossessory the day rent is late. Pre HB 404 was permitted; post HB 404 the 3-business-day notice is required first.
Charging more than 2 months deposit. OCGA 44-7-30.1 caps strictly.
Historic district maintenance. Savannah Historic Foundation requires approval for many exterior changes; affects landlord repair scope.
For a Savannah-ready Georgia residential lease, see leasekit.io/templates/georgia-residential-lease for $29 one-time.