(a) Any landlord that is not a resident of this state that owns or operates single-family or duplex residential rental properties in this state shall employ a broker licensed pursuant to Chapter 40 of Title 43, that may or may not reside within this state. If the broker does not reside within this state, the broker shall employ at least one person, to be located within this state, who shall be responsible for receiving, coordinating, managing, and responding to communications from tenants of such landlord related to maintenance and other issues related to such properties.

(b) The exemptions set forth in paragraphs (7) and (8) of subsection (a) of Code Section 43-40-29 shall not apply to any landlord that is not a resident of this state that owns or operates single-family or duplex residential rental properties as provided for in subsection (a) of this Code section.