If the amount paid was for a security deposit, Georgia law requires it to be returned thirty (30) days from the date the tenant vacates. Thus, the landlord may have a duty to return the security deposit within thirty (30) days after an application is rejected. If the amount paid was a holding deposit or fee, it would be refundable under the terms which the tenant and landlord discussed at the time of payment. The Georgia landlord tenant law does not directly address reimbursement of such deposits. It is possible that the holding deposit would not be refundable. The answer would depend on the agreement between you and the landlord at the time of payment. Always get a receipt for any deposit or fee that you pay. If the fee is refundable, ask the landlord to put this information on the receipt.