Writ of Possession in Georgia: A Step-by-Step Guide for Landlords
What a writ of possession is, how to get one in Georgia, what it costs, how long it takes, and how to actually enforce it — for landlords in metro Atlanta.
A writ of possession is the court order that gives you the legal right to physically remove a tenant. It's the second-to-last step in a Georgia eviction — but getting the writ is not the same as getting your unit back.
How to get a writ of possession in Georgia
- File a dispossessory affidavit at Magistrate Court
- Wait 7 days for the tenant's answer
- Attend the hearing (or have counsel/authorized rep appear)
- Receive judgment for possession
- Wait 7 days for the tenant to vacate voluntarily
- Request the writ of possession from the court
Default writs: the fastest path
If the tenant never answers within the 7-day window after service, you can request a default writ of possession without a hearing. This is the single fastest route to a writ in Georgia — often inside two to three weeks of filing. A large share of metro Atlanta dispossessories end exactly this way.
What a writ of possession costs
The writ itself carries a court fee of roughly $30 to $50 in metro Atlanta counties, on top of the $60 to $85 filing fee and $50 to $75 service cost per tenant. The real expense is the wait that follows: county-scheduled enforcement currently runs 10 to 16 weeks after the writ issues.
Enforcing the writ
In Georgia, only the sheriff or marshal's office can enforce a writ. In metro Atlanta counties, county-scheduled set-outs currently run 10 to 16 weeks after the writ is issued. On writ day the marshal takes legal control of the premises while a labor crew moves belongings to the curb — landlords cannot do this themselves.
Expedited+ set-out
Our Expedited+ set-out crew is typically scheduled within 2 weeks after court — dramatically shorter than the standard county backlog. Call (877) 206-1716 to schedule.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a writ of possession in Georgia?
If the tenant does not answer, a default writ can issue in roughly two to three weeks from filing. Contested cases typically take four to eight weeks to reach a writ.
Who can enforce a writ of possession in Georgia?
Only the county sheriff or marshal's office can execute a writ of possession in Georgia. Landlords may not remove tenants or belongings themselves — self-help evictions are illegal.
How much does a writ of possession cost in Georgia?
The writ fee is roughly $30 to $50 in metro Atlanta counties, in addition to filing fees of $60 to $85 and service costs of $50 to $75 per tenant.
Have a writ or a confirmed set-out date?
Send your Atlanta property and case details to begin set-out coordination. Scheduling depends on case readiness and county requirements.