6 Steps to Amend HOA Bylaws and Covenants Amendment Proposal. The first step consists of a proposal describing the changes to the bylaw or covenant. Discussion Meeting. The board will then discuss the proposed amendment at a board meeting. Give it a Vote. Count the Votes. Amendment Approval. Recording and Effectivity.
State Statutes and the Georgia Commission on Equal Opportunity. Several state statutes govern HOAs in Georgia. The Georgia inium Act and the Georgia Property Owners' Association Act are key laws. The Georgia Commission on Equal Opportunity ensures fair treatment in housing.
Perpetual Duration: Prior to 1993, Georgia law generally provided that covenants expire after 20 years. In 1994, the law was amended to permit covenants to automatically renew. Yet, Georgia courts have subsequently held that covenants in communities recorded prior to 1994 do not receive the benefit of the 1994 law.
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.
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.
Hold a vote The threshold needed for enacting the change will depend on your state's laws and your association's governing documents. In Georgia, association members must approve any amendments by two-thirds of the votes cast or a majority of the voting power, whichever is less.
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.