The Georgia Senate recently agreed to pass the House substitute to Senate Bill 406, co-sponsored by Senator Donzella James (D–Atlanta) and known as the “Georgia Property Owners’ Bill of Rights Act.”
This bill establishes new protections for property owners while increasing accountability for property owners’ associations statewide.
When commenting on this development, Sen. James expressed excitement and reflected on her time working to address this issue. She called the bill a ‘meaningful’ step forward and thanked Georgia residents for their ongoing testimony.
“For years, I have been a strong advocate for homeowners, and I have heard countless cases of people being taken advantage of by predatory associations,” Sen. James stated. “This legislation represents a meaningful step forward in protecting homeowners by promoting transparency and fairness.”
She added, “I am also deeply grateful to the many Georgia residents who have attended community meetings and shared their personal experiences with me over the years. Your voices have been instrumental in shaping this bill and bringing it to fruition.”
Senate Bill 406
SB 406 requires homeowners’ and property owners’ associations to register annually with the Secretary of State and submit key governing and financial information.
Associations that fail to register will be prohibited from collecting fines, issuing liens, or initiating foreclosure proceedings.
The legislation also implements new safeguards for homeowners, including limits on certain fees and fines, stronger notice requirements, and a clear process for resolving disputes between homeowners and associations.
For example, property owners will be given the right to inspect and copy association records, including bank statements, profit statements, and budget records. They will also be given the right to receive ‘fair and reasonable’ notice of meetings and attend at least one annual meeting.
Having passed both chambers of the General Assembly, SB 406 will now move to Governor Brian Kemp’s (R-GA) desk for final approval.
Sen. Donzella James Celebrates Final Passage of Legislation to Protect Georgia Property Owners. Read more: https://t.co/Tlrarc3dTq #gapol #gasenate pic.twitter.com/oENiZNMzps
— Georgia State Senate (@GASenatePress) April 1, 2026
