Chatham County Eviction Court — Landlord Filing Guide (2025)
Everything Georgia landlords need to file a Dispossessory (Eviction) in Chatham County — fees, courthouse info, timeline, and step-by-step process.
🏛️ Chatham County Courthouse Information
- Courthouse: Chatham County Courthouse
- Address: 133 Montgomery St., Savannah, GA 31401
- Phone: (912) 652-7200
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Case type: Dispossessory (Eviction)
⚠️ Chatham County — What Landlords Should Know
Chatham County follows standard Georgia eviction procedures.
Need an Eviction Attorney in Chatham County?
Procedural mistakes can get your case dismissed. Get matched with a local Chatham County eviction attorney — free consultation.
Step-by-Step: How to File an Eviction in Chatham County
Serve the Required Notice
Before filing, you must serve a written notice. For non-payment of rent, a 3-day Pay or Quit notice is required. For lease violations, serve a 3-day Cure or Quit notice. Make sure the notice is properly formatted and personally served or posted per Georgia law.
File Your Dispossessory (Eviction) at Chatham County Courthouse
After the notice period expires without compliance, file your eviction complaint at the Chatham County Courthouse (133 Montgomery St., Savannah, GA 31401). The filing fee is $60. Bring: your lease agreement, the notice, and proof of service.
Serve the Summons on the Tenant
After filing, the court issues a summons. In Chatham County, service is typically handled by the Sheriff's office or a licensed process server for a fee of $25. You must NOT serve the summons yourself — improper service can get your case dismissed.
Attend the Court Hearing
Hearings in Chatham County are typically scheduled 2–3 weeks after filing. Attend with all documentation: lease, notices, payment records, and proof of service. If the tenant doesn't appear, you may receive a default judgment. Come prepared to present your case clearly.
Obtain and Enforce the Writ of Possession
After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the clerk. The Georgia Sheriff's office will serve the writ and oversee removal if the tenant refuses to leave voluntarily. Do NOT change locks or remove property yourself — this constitutes illegal self-help eviction in Georgia.
Chatham County Eviction Filing Cost Breakdown
| Cost | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | $60 | Paid to Chatham County Clerk of Court |
| Summons Service | $25 | Sheriff or process server fee |
| Writ of Possession | ~$21–$25 | Sheriff enforcement after judgment |
| Attorney (optional) | $400–$1500 | Recommended for contested cases |
Frequently Asked Questions — Chatham County Evictions
How long does an eviction take in Chatham County?
The typical Chatham County eviction takes 3–6 weeks from serving the initial notice to enforcement — assuming the tenant does not contest. A contested eviction can take significantly longer. Chatham County is generally considered a landlord-friendly jurisdiction.
How much does it cost to file an eviction in Chatham County?
The court filing fee in Chatham County is $60. Additional costs typically include: process service or sheriff fee ($25), Writ of Possession enforcement (~$21–$25), and attorney fees if represented ($400–$1500). Total out-of-pocket without an attorney is typically $106–$110.
What court handles evictions in Chatham County?
Evictions in Chatham County are filed at the Chatham County Courthouse, located at 133 Montgomery St., Savannah, GA 31401. The case type is filed as a Dispossessory (Eviction).
Can I file an eviction online in Chatham County?
Chatham County does not currently offer online filing for eviction cases. You must file in person at the Chatham County Courthouse.
Do I need a lawyer to evict a tenant in Chatham County?
Georgia law allows landlords to represent themselves in eviction court. However, having an attorney reduces the risk of procedural dismissals and improves outcomes, especially in contested cases.
What happens if the tenant doesn't leave after the eviction judgment in Chatham County?
After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the court. The Chatham County Sheriff's office will then execute the writ — notifying the tenant to vacate, and physically removing them if they refuse. Do NOT attempt to remove the tenant yourself; self-help eviction is illegal in Georgia.
See full Georgia eviction laws and notice requirements.
Georgia Eviction Guide for Landlords →Download the eviction notice you must serve before filing in Georgia.
Georgia Eviction Notice Templates →Is your tenant facing eviction in Chatham County? See their rights.
Tenant Rights in Chatham County →Relevant Georgia Statutes
- Primary eviction statute: O.C.G.A. § 44-7-50
- This guide is for informational purposes only. Laws change — verify with current Georgia statutes or a licensed Chatham County attorney.