Georgia Abandoned Property Rules: What Happens When Property Gets Left Behind?

From Atlanta’s apartments to Savannah’s storied neighborhoods and the rural corners in between, property gets abandoned or left behind all the time in Georgia. Whether you’re a landlord, tenant, storage operator, business owner, or someone who just found a wallet or lost car, Georgia law lays out the rules for what happens next. Here’s your practical, plain-English guide to Georgia’s abandoned property rules—and how to avoid trouble, drama, or legal headaches.

What Counts as “Abandoned Property” in Georgia?

In Georgia, “abandoned property” usually means personal items left behind by someone who doesn’t intend to reclaim them. It can include household goods, vehicles, cash, jewelry, or even money in dormant bank accounts. Real estate (land or buildings) is different—it falls under strict adverse possession rules, not abandoned property law.

Landlords and Tenants: After Move-Out or Eviction

Georgia doesn’t have a single statewide statute covering every detail of abandoned property in rentals, but there are some important ground rules, court decisions, and local customs:

When a tenant moves out or is evicted and leaves property behind, landlords should make a reasonable effort to notify the former tenant—usually with written notice to the last known address, phone, or email, describing the property and how to claim it.
The law expects landlords to store the property for a “reasonable time”—generally at least 7–14 days, though longer is safer and may be required by the lease.
If the tenant doesn’t claim the property after notice and waiting period, the landlord may sell, donate, or dispose of the items. Sale proceeds may be used for unpaid rent or damages, but any surplus should be returned to the tenant if possible, or reported as unclaimed property to the state.
Landlords should always keep records—photos, lists, and notices—before disposing of anything.

Landlord tip: Check your lease—some have specific timelines or steps required by contract.

Tenant tip: Don’t leave your stuff behind, and make sure your landlord can contact you after you move!

Storage Units: Auctions and Unpaid Bills

Georgia’s self-storage law (O.C.G.A. § 10-4-210 et seq.) covers what happens if you stop paying for your storage unit:

The storage operator must send written notice of default to your last known address, giving you at least 14 days to pay overdue rent and retrieve your items.
If you don’t respond, the operator can auction the contents to recover unpaid rent and expenses.
Any extra money after costs must be returned to you, or, if you can’t be found, turned over to the state as unclaimed property.

Vehicles: Abandoned Cars and More

Abandoned vehicles—on public roads, private property, or parking lots—are common in Georgia:

Property owners or law enforcement can report abandoned vehicles to the Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR) or local police.
Authorities notify the last registered owner, who gets a set time (often 30 days) to reclaim the vehicle.
If unclaimed, the car can be towed and sold at auction. Surplus money after costs must go to the owner, or be submitted to the state as unclaimed property.

Lost and Found: Finders, Keepers?

Georgia does not have a “finders, keepers” law for valuables:

If you find lost property, you must make a reasonable effort to find the owner—usually by turning it in to the police or the property/business owner where it was found.
If unclaimed after a certain period (typically 90 days), you may be able to claim the property—but only if you followed the process.
Keeping found property without trying to return it can be considered theft.

Unclaimed Money and Safe Deposit Boxes

Georgia’s “abandoned” property also includes money—old bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance proceeds, and safe deposit box contents. After a certain dormancy period (usually 3–5 years), banks and businesses must turn these over to the Georgia Department of Revenue Unclaimed Property Program. Anyone can search for and claim lost money for free.

Adverse Possession: Can You Claim Abandoned Land?

Taking over truly abandoned land or houses requires “adverse possession.” In Georgia, you must openly possess the property for at least 7 years (under color of title) or 20 years (without title), pay taxes, and eventually go to court. It’s complicated—get legal advice if you’re considering it.

Tips for Handling Abandoned Property in Georgia

Landlords: Always give written notice, store property for a reasonable period, and keep documentation.
Tenants: Respond quickly if notified, and keep your contact information updated.
Storage renters: Communicate with the facility and pay overdue bills promptly—auctions happen quickly.
Vehicle owners: Take any abandoned vehicle notice seriously and act fast to avoid losing your car or incurring fees.
Finders: Turn in lost valuables; if unclaimed, you may eventually get to keep them legally.

Helpful Resources

Final Thoughts: Georgia Abandoned Property Laws in a Nutshell

Georgia’s laws are meant to protect both owners and finders, but the process matters. Document everything, provide proper notice, and don’t rush to dispose of property. With a bit of paperwork and patience, most abandoned property situations can be solved peacefully—and legally.