As a business and real estate attorney who has drafted hundreds of eviction notices for Georgia landlords over the past decade, I created this comprehensive guide and free downloadable Georgia Notice to Pay or Quit template to help you serve a legally compliant demand for rent in 2025. A properly drafted pay or quit notice Georgia landlords use is the critical first step before filing a dispossessory affidavit in magistrate court.
The official name in Georgia is “Demand for Possession” for non-payment of rent, but most landlords and attorneys still call it a Georgia notice to quit or late rent notice Georgia style. Whatever you call it, getting the timing, delivery method, and wording exactly right can mean the difference between a smooth eviction and having your case dismissed.
In this 2025 updated guide, I’ll give you my exact template that I personally use with clients, walk you through Georgia Code requirements, and show you common mistakes that get notices rejected.
Under O.C.G.A. § 44-7-50, a landlord in Georgia cannot file an eviction (dispossessory) action for non-payment of rent until the tenant has been served with a proper written demand for possession and has failed to pay within the statutory time period.
For non-payment of rent, Georgia law does not require a specific number of days in the notice itself — the demand can be “immediate” — but the tenant is entitled to a 3-business-day grace period after personal service or 7-calendar-day period after mailing before you can file in court (see O.C.G.A. § 44-7-50 and court interpretations).
In practice, most experienced Georgia landlords use a 3-day pay or quit notice Georgia template for personal service because it is clearer and reduces disputes.
Click below to download my attorney-drafted, courtroom-tested template in both PDF and editable Word format (updated November 2025):
Download Free Georgia Pay or Quit Notice Template (Word + PDF)
(No email required – direct download)
Georgia courts are strict. Your notice must contain:
Citing IRS.gov is not applicable here; instead, refer to official Georgia code and case law.
Only past-due rent + late fees explicitly labeled as “additional rent” in the lease can be included. You cannot demand future rent, utilities, pet fees, or attorney fees in the initial pay or quit notice.
| Method | Grace Period Before Filing | Proof Required |
|---|---|---|
| Hand delivery to tenant or adult at residence | 3 business days | Certificate of service signed by server |
| Posting on door + mailing first-class | 7 calendar days from mailing | USPS certificate of mailing |
| Certified mail only | Not recommended – courts often reject | — |
This is the #1 reason Georgia eviction cases get dismissed. Use my exact wording in the template.
(Copy-paste version if you can’t download)
DEMAND FOR POSSESSION – NONPAYMENT OF RENT
(State of Georgia, County of ________)
To: [Tenant Full Name(s)]
Property Address: [Full Address, City, GA ZIP]
You are hereby notified that you are indebted to the undersigned Landlord in the sum of $____ for past-due rent and additional rent (late fees) for the premises described above for the periods:
DEMAND IS HEREBY MADE that you pay said amount or deliver possession of the premises within three (3) business days from the date of personal service of this notice, or legal proceedings will be instituted against you to recover possession to recover possession, all rent due, court costs, and any applicable attorney’s fees.
Payment must be made to:
[Landlord/Agent Name]
[Payment Address or online portal]
[Phone and Email]
Date: ________
Landlord/Agent: ________________________
Can I accept partial payment after serving the notice?
Yes, but only if you expressly reserve rights in writing. Otherwise, Georgia courts may rule you waived the eviction.
Do I need to give a 7-day notice for late rent in Georgia?
No. The 7-day period only applies when you mail or post the notice. Personal service triggers the 3-business-day clock.
Is there a difference between a “Notice to Quit” and “Pay or Quit” in Georgia?
Practically, no. Both refer to the demand for possession for non-payment.
Click Here to Download the 2025 Georgia Notice to Pay or Quit Template (Free, No Signup)
Important Legal Disclaimer: This article and the free Georgia pay or quit notice template are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Landlord-tenant laws change frequently, and the application of law depends on your specific facts. Always consult a licensed Georgia attorney before serving any eviction notice or filing in court. Use of this template is at your own risk.
© 2025 – All rights reserved. Template last verified against current Georgia Code November 2025.