What Georgia Residents Can Do When They Have an HOA

A practical guide to understanding your rights, responsibilities, and next steps

Homeowners Associations (HOAs) are meant to help maintain neighborhoods, protect property values, and manage shared spaces. But when communication breaks down or leadership becomes unclear, residents often feel frustrated and unsure of what to do next.

If you live in a Georgia community with an HOA and have concerns about transparency, leadership, or compliance, there are clear steps you can take. Below is a straightforward, resident-focused guide to help you stay informed and advocate for your neighborhood—calmly, legally, and effectively.

1. Request HOA Governing Documents

Every HOA operates under formal governing documents. As a homeowner, you have the right to review them.

Documents to request include:

• Current bylaws

  
  

  These outline how the HOA is supposed to function, including board terms, elections, and voting procedures.

• Articles of Incorporation

  
  

  This document establishes the HOA as a legal entity, often as a nonprofit corporation in Georgia.

• Board member roster with terms

  
  

  This should list current board members, their roles, and when their terms began and end.

2. Ask for Meeting Minutes

Meeting minutes provide a written history of HOA decisions and actions. Reviewing them can clarify how leadership decisions were made.

Request minutes from:

• Annual meetings

These typically include elections, budgets, and major community updates.

• Board elections

Election records show who was elected, when, and under what process.

• Officer appointments

These explain how roles such as president, vice president, or treasurer were assigned.

3. Check Georgia Secretary of State Business Filings

Most HOAs in Georgia are registered as nonprofit corporations. Public filings can offer additional clarity.

What to look for:

• Confirmation that the HOA is active and in good standing

• Officer names listed on annual filings

• Registered agent and official contact information

4. Submit a Written Records Request

Georgia law gives homeowners the right to inspect certain HOA records.

How to do this:

• Submit a written request (email or letter)

• Be specific about the documents you are requesting

• Keep copies of all correspondence

Tips for HOA Residents Advocating for Change

• Stay factual and document-focused

• Avoid personal attacks or social media speculation

• Communicate in writing whenever possible

• Work with other homeowners who share concerns

• Consider mediation or professional guidance if needed

Change in an HOA often starts with informed residents who understand the rules and use the proper channels to address issues.

At The Best of Clayton County, we believe informed residents create stronger neighborhoods. Our platform is dedicated to sharing helpful, local information that encourages transparency, civic awareness, and community dialogue across Clayton County and surrounding areas.

If you have a community story, neighborhood update, or helpful resource to share, visit www.bestofclaytoncounty.com and be part of keeping our communities informed and connected.