National Eviction

How long does an eviction take in Georgia?

For landlords and property managers · Updated September 2026

A typical uncontested eviction for unpaid rent in Georgia takes about 4 to 6 weeks.

From our Georgia guide: “An uncontested nonpayment case commonly takes four to six weeks from the demand to the set-out.”

If the tenant contests: 8 to 12 weeks in Fulton and DeKalb if contested.

The Georgia eviction timeline, step by step

Calendar days for a nonpayment case the tenant does not contest. Business and court days are converted to calendar days.

  1. 1Notice for unpaid rent

    3 to 5 days

    From serving the notice until you can file.

    3 business days' demand (3 to 5 calendar days)

    From our guide: “Demand and three-business-day notice: 3 to 5 calendar days”

  2. 2Court case

    10 to 17 days

    From filing through service and the answer period or first hearing, to a judgment for possession.

    Served in 3-10 days; tenant has 7 days to answer

    From our guide: “Filing to service: 3 to 10 days” and “Tenant's answer period: 7 days”

  3. 3Judgment to possession

    14 to 21 days

    Any waiting period before the writ issues, plus the officer's notice before the lockout.

    Writ effective 7 days after judgment; executed in 1-2 weeks

    From our guide: “The Writ of Possession is effective seven days after the judgment, and the sheriff, constable or marshal executes it, generally within one to two weeks depending on county backlog.”

What can slow it down

  • The three-business-day nonpayment notice must be posted in a sealed envelope on the door (plus any lease-specified method); handing it over, mailing it, or emailing it alone does not comply.
  • A defective notice is the most common reason a case is dismissed and has to start over. Check the form and the delivery method in the full guide before you serve it.
  • A tenant who files an answer, raises a defense or appeals adds hearings and waiting periods. Busy urban dockets can add weeks at every stage.
  • Never change the locks or shut off utilities yourself. Self-help eviction is illegal in every state and can cost more than the unpaid rent.

Read the full Georgia eviction guide, with the statute or rule behind each step.

Georgia scores 10 of 10 on our landlord-friendly states map (most landlord-friendly).

Compare eviction timelines in every state.

This timeline is general information for landlords, not legal advice. Deadlines change and courts vary by county. Confirm current rules with a licensed Georgia attorney before acting.