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Enforcing an HOA Covenant

2/12/18

By: Jan S. Sigman
Many homes built in the metro Atlanta area in the past 20 years are located in subdivisions that have a homeowner’s association (HOA). In 1994, Georgia adopted the Property Owner’s Association Act.  If an HOA elects to become subject to the Act, then the covenants passed by the HOA are enforceable against all the current property owners in the association, as well as subsequent purchasers into the community. Covenants may include restrictions on the development and use of the property.
In Great Water Lanier v. Summer Crest at Four Seasons on Lanier Homeowners Ass’n, Case No. A17A1810 (January 2, 2018), the Georgia Court of Appeals enforced various HOA covenants on a subdivision plat where Great Water accepted but did not sign the warranty deed. On cross motions for summary judgment, the trial court held the parcel was subject to the HOA covenants.  Great Water appealed, but the Court of Appeals affirmed the trial court’s ruling.  By accepting the deed, the Court of Appeals held, Great Water voluntarily consented to be bound by the HOA covenants. This case illustrates the need for buyers to conduct due diligence into HOA covenants that could encumber the property.
Jan Seanor Sigman is licensed to practice in Georgia and represents contractors and design professionals in all construction matters including contract negotiations, payment disputes and delays, contract terminations, and defective work. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Jan Seanor Sigman at jsigman@fmglaw.com.