The Property Owners' Association Act oversees the creation, management, authority, and functions of the HOAs in Georgia. It's important to note here that associations can be formed under the POAA or using common law principles. In such cases, this act will not apply.
The Fair Housing Act prohibits the discrimination of a homeowner based on their race, age, national origin, religion, color, familial status, or handicap. Homeowners may take legal action by filing a lawsuit against the HOA.
Also, for the decisions made by an HOA, except for the cases provided for by Article 7(4) of this Law, the HOA members shall be liable, personally and jointly, in proportion to their share in the common property of HOA members.
A duty of loyalty and, therefore, a fiduciary duty requires the person, the fiduciary, to always act in the best interest of the persons who have placed their trust in him or her. (See O.C.G.A. § 23-2-58.) A fiduciary's personal interests and well-being are secondary to those other persons' best interests.
At a minimum, removing a board member normally requires the vote of all HOA members. To obtain a valid vote, you must meet all relevant procedures required under your state's laws and in your development's governing documents, including prior notice, special meeting, quorum, and proxy voting requirements.
Georgia Recorded Documents Search - Visit your county recorder's office to find an association's Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs), Amendments to CC&Rs, Bylaws, Lien Notices, HOA Notices, Plats, Maps, and other community documents.
Once you buy a home that's part of an HOA, you automatically become a member of the HOA. HOA rules are legally binding, and you must adhere to all rules and regulations in the governing document. Yes, there are bylaws that you may not like, but there are no HOA loopholes.
Also, for the decisions made by an HOA, except for the cases provided for by Article 7(4) of this Law, the HOA members shall be liable, personally and jointly, in proportion to their share in the common property of HOA members. The responsibility of a hired manager is determined by an agreement.