Eviction Process Serving in Georgia: A Landlord's Guide

For Georgia landlords and property managers, the eviction process is a precise legal procedure where timing and documentation are everything. The dispossessory process under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 44-7-50 et seq.) requires proper service of demand at specific steps — and improper service can add weeks to your eviction timeline. Here's the complete guide to eviction process serving in Georgia.

Georgia's Dispossessory Process: Step by Step

Step 1: Written Demand for Possession

Before filing a dispossessory warrant with the court, the landlord must serve a written demand on the tenant to vacate or pay overdue rent. Under O.C.G.A. § 44-7-50, this demand:

• Must be in writing
• Must demand payment of overdue rent or vacation of the premises
• Can be served personally, left at the tenant's residence with an adult co-resident, or posted conspicuously on the main entry door with a copy mailed by first-class mail

The demand must be made before the landlord files a dispossessory affidavit with the court. There is technically no required waiting period between demand and filing — the landlord may file immediately after service if the tenant doesn't comply.

Step 2: Filing the Dispossessory Affidavit

After serving the demand and the tenant has not vacated or paid, the landlord files a dispossessory affidavit with the Magistrate Court (or other appropriate court) in the county where the property is located. Filing fees vary by county.

Step 3: Service of the Dispossessory Warrant

The court issues a dispossessory warrant, which must be served on the tenant. Reliant Process Solutions handles this service across all 15+ counties, with GPS documentation and photo verification at each attempt.

Step 4: Tenant's Response and Hearing

The tenant has 7 days from service of the warrant to file an answer. If they answer, a hearing is scheduled. If they don't answer, the landlord may be entitled to a default judgment and a writ of possession.

Why Speed Matters in Eviction

Every day a non-paying tenant remains in your property costs you money. The faster you move through the dispossessory process, the sooner you can regain possession and re-rent the unit. Key timelines:

• Professional service from Reliant Process Solutions: 2–3 business days (Standard speed) or next business day (Next-day Rush +$35)
• Sheriff's service: typically 5–10 business days
• Difference in case timeline: 5–10 days per eviction

For a property manager handling 10 evictions per month, Next-day Rush (+$35) can accelerate each eviction by several days — significant cash flow impact.

Court Filing Add-On for Property Managers

Our court filing add-on ($45 standard, $75 rush) is particularly popular with property managers. We serve the warrant AND file the proof of service with the Magistrate Court — eliminating the need for you or your staff to make a courthouse trip.