Writ of possession in Georgia — what happens after the judge rules

Winning the dispossessory hearing doesn't put keys in your hand. The judgment says you're entitled to possession; the writ of possession is the court order that actually delivers it. Here's what happens between the gavel and the move-out in Georgia.

The 7-day pause

After judgment for the landlord, Georgia generally holds the writ for seven days — the tenant's window to appeal or vacate on their own [verify]. Mark the date, but don't schedule movers yet: most tenants who are going to leave voluntarily do it during this window, which is the cheapest outcome for everyone.

Getting the writ executed

Once the writ issues, it goes to the county sheriff or marshal for scheduling. This is the least predictable part of a Georgia eviction: in smaller counties execution can happen within days; in busy metro counties (Fulton, DeKalb, Gwinnett) the queue can run longer [verify]. The officer sets the date, supervises the removal, and keeps the peace.

On execution day, plan for:

1. Be there (or send your agent) — the officer supervises, but moving the tenant's property out is typically on you and your crew.
2. Labor and locks — bring enough hands to clear the unit during the officer's window, and a locksmith or new locks for the moment it's done.
3. The tenant's belongings — in Georgia, property removed during execution is generally placed at the curb; check your county's practice with the officer beforehand. [verify]
4. Documentation — photograph the unit's condition when you take possession. It matters for the deposit accounting and any damages claim.

What if the tenant appeals or pays?

Two events can stop a writ. First, an appeal within seven days of judgment, which in nonpayment cases generally requires the tenant to pay rent into the court registry as it comes due [verify]. Second, in a tenant's first nonpayment case, full payment of the judgment amount plus costs within the statutory window can defeat the eviction entirely [verify].

If either happens, don't improvise — the rules around supersedeas and registry payments are technical, and this is a reasonable moment to involve an attorney.

Money is a separate problem

The writ restores possession. The unpaid rent is a money judgment you still have to collect — and a tenant who didn't pay rent rarely pays a judgment voluntarily. The usual next step is garnishment of wages or a bank account once you know where the former tenant works or banks.

This article is legal information, not legal advice. Statute references are tagged [verify] pending review by a licensed Georgia attorney.