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Georgia Eviction Timeline

Step-by-step legal timeline from notice to lockout.

The eviction process in Georgia follows a strict statutory timeline. Landlords must provide proper notice, wait for the notice period to expire, file with the court, and obtain a judgment before a lockout can occur. The timeline below outlines each step in chronological order based on current state law.

Eviction Process Timeline

  1. Notice Period (Nonpayment)

    No statutory period; landlord must demand possession (often immediate).

  2. Notice Period (Lease Violation)

    No statutory cure period; landlord may demand possession immediately.

  3. Landlord Can File

    Landlord may file a dispossessory warrant immediately after demanding possession.

  4. Tenant Answer Deadline

    Tenant has 7 days from service to file an answer.

  5. Hearing Timeline

    Hearings typically occur 1–3 weeks after filing depending on county.

  6. Lockout / Physical Eviction

    Only the sheriff may execute the writ of possession; landlord cannot self-evict.

Related Resources

Explore statutes, detailed rules, and calculators for this state.