The law in plain English
Return deadline
Under Ga. Code Sections 44-7-30 to 44-7-37, the deposit response usually has to be sent within 30 days of the move-out timeline described by the state rule.
Required notice
Georgia generally requires the move-out inspection record, itemized deductions, and any refund to be handled within 30 days.
This dispute type
Once the Georgia deadline passes, the dispute stops being only about the deductions and becomes a deadline-compliance problem too. A landlord may still argue damage existed, but Ga. Code §§ 44-7-30 to 44-7-37 sets the clock for returning the balance and explaining any amount withheld.
Penalty leverage
If the withholding was wrongful or in bad faith, the exposure allowed under the statute is: Bad faith: you can recover up to three times (3x) the amount wrongfully withheld, plus attorney's fees