SR 445: Department of Community Affairs; investigate the abusive practices of homeowners' associations; encourage

This resolution does not change Georgia law. Instead, it formally asks the Department of Community Affairs to look into complaints that some homeowners' associations (HOAs) and their boards are engaging in abusive practices, retaliation, and financial exploitation against homeowners, particularly elderly and other vulnerable residents. The resolution points to several concerns: the growth of short-term rental properties disrupting neighborhoods, unlicensed property management leading to financial mismanagement, and retaliation against homeowners who challenge their HOA's conduct. It calls for the Department of Community Affairs to investigate these issues so it can better protect vulnerable residents and connect them with resources. The Secretary of the Senate is directed to send a copy of the resolution to the department, but the resolution creates no new requirements, penalties, or funding.

• Encourages, but does not legally require, the Department of Community Affairs to investigate abusive practices by homeowners' associations.
• Directs the Department of Community Affairs to focus its attention on impacts affecting elderly and other vulnerable residents.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to send a copy of the resolution to the Department of Community Affairs.
• Does not create any new law, penalty, funding, or enforcement mechanism; it only expresses the Senate's position and request.

Homeowners living in communities governed by homeowners' associations, especially elderly and other vulnerable residents; homeowners' association boards and management companies; and the Department of Community Affairs, which is being asked to investigate.

If the Department of Community Affairs takes up the investigation, it could lead to more information about HOA abuses, retaliation, and financial exploitation, potentially shaping future legislation or protections. As a resolution, it carries no binding force on its own.

• The whereas clauses describe concerns about HOA abusive practices, retaliation, financial exploitation, and impacts on elderly residents.
• The resolved clause formally encourages the Department of Community Affairs to investigate these practices and their impact on vulnerable residents.
• A further resolved clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute a copy of the resolution to the Department of Community Affairs.

1. 2025-03-25Senate Read and Referred (Senate)
2. 2025-03-21Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Donzella James (D, SD-28)Primary sponsor
• Nan Orrock (D, SD-36)
• Freddie Powell Sims (D, SD-12)

• homeowners associations
• elder abuse
• property management
• short-term rentals
• consumer protection