Sen. Donzella James Holds Committee Meeting to Discuss HOA and Rent Regulations

ATLANTA (September 23, 2025) - On September 18, Sen. Donzella James (D-Atlanta), as the Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Urban Affairs, held a meeting to discuss rent control and homeowners' association (HOA) regulations. The committee also heard from concerned Georgians about problems they have faced in their community associations, particularly regarding rent, fines, liens and foreclosures.

"The people have spoken loud and clear: we need HOA regulation reform," said Sen. James. "Predatory boards of directors and community associations are consistently taking advantage of hardworking Georgians who are only trying to make ends meet. We have heard numerous stories of outspoken residents being subjected to egregious assessments and exorbitant fines, with the worst associations denying payments altogether and foreclosing on the lot. No one should have their right to a peaceful living disrupted."

Sen. James added, "We have several bipartisan solutions on the table, including oversight of HOA boards and establishing an ombudsman to register community associations and monitor elections. I am also working with Sen. Matt Brass (R-Newnan) on this issue in his Senate Rules Subcommittee on Homeowners Associations. I am confident that, between my committee and Sen. Brass' subcommittee, we will produce meaningful legislation that will pass during the next legislative session and create real change for Georgians."

Sen. James sponsored several bills regarding HOA regulations during the 2025 Legislative Session. Namely, Senate Bill 106 would remove restrictions that prevent local governments from regulating or imposing rent controls on landlords. SB 107 would provide homeowners in community associations with protections and legal safeguards regarding liens and foreclosures. Additionally, SB 108 would require property owners' associations to provide certificates of good standing to lots that have paid their annual assessments and offer to participate in alternative dispute resolution before enforcing a lien on a lot for unpaid assessments.

SB 106 awaits a hearing in the Senate Committee on State and Local Government Operations, while Senate Bills 107 and 108 were referred to the Senate Committee on Rules by the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism. Each bill can be taken up for legislative action by its respective committee during the 2026 Legislative Session.

Sen. James also co-sponsored Sen. Brass' legislation, SB 361, which raises the cost of foreclosing against a lien to $4,000 and calls for the Secretary of State to provide regulations for administrative hearings. Senate Bill 361 is the focus of the Senate Rules Subcommittee on Homeowners Associations and will be eligible for a hearing in the Senate Committee on Rules during the 2026 Legislative Session as well.

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Sen. Donzella James serves as Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Urban Affairs. She represents the 28^th Senate District, which includes portions of Cobb, Douglas and Fulton counties. She may be reached at (404) 463-1379 or by email at [email protected].

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