Greater Metro Atlanta Area Homeowner Seeks Justice after Being Hit with Foreclosure Over HOA Fines

A recent, somewhat disturbing case in Kennesaw has highlighted how powerful homeowner associations (HOAs) can become when fines, fees, and liens pile up, and demonstrates the helplessness that homeowners can feel when up against aggressive HOAs. According to local news reports, George Watson, a 77-year-old man living on Social Security income, is facing foreclosure of his home because his HOA imposed thousands of dollars in fines and legal costs. The issue began with relatively small violations, including algae growth on a north-facing wall, a bucket of water left outside, and a ladder stored on the property, and escalated when he missed notices after suffering from a form of “mail-phobia” during the COVID-19 pandemic. The HOA charged Watson daily fines, interest, legal fees, and eventually even placed a lien on the property, which Watson became aware of when he checked his mail in 2022. When the total fines crossed Georgia’s legal threshold for HOA liens and reached into foreclosure territory, Watson’s home was threatened. The unsettling case shows just how HOA action can threaten a person’s home, property rights, and their well-being.

Fighting Back Against HOAs in Atlanta and the Greater Metro Atlanta Area

There is no question that Atlanta and Greater Metro Atlanta area homeowners may feel like their hands are tied and they are out of options when up against a strong and aggressive HOA. However, it is important for Atlanta and Greater Metro Atlanta area homeowners to know that they have rights, and there are steps that they can take to protect them. First, it is a good idea to review your HOA’s covenants and rules, bylaws, and any community rules about violations, fines, liens, and foreclosure. These documents tell you what HOA can and cannot do. Sometimes the rules allow only certain kinds of notification, or give homeowners a chance to remedy violations before fines escalate. If your HOA did not follow the proper notice procedures, that could be a legal loophole in your favor. In addition, HOAs in Atlanta and the Greater Metro Atlanta area must follow specific legal steps, requirements for notice, and give homeowners opportunities to contest violations. Knowing your rights under state law is crucial. Sometimes HOAs overstep or misapply the law—if so, you may have a valid defense. At the end of the day, however, an Atlanta or Greater Metro Atlanta area homeowner who has been assaulted with massive fines and facing foreclosure should not try to go it alone. An experienced Atlanta and Greater Metro Atlanta area real estate litigation lawyer can review your situation, point out if the HOA violated notice rules or their own governing documents, and possibly file a legal response delaying or stopping the foreclosure process. An experienced Atlanta and Greater Metro Atlanta area real estate litigation lawyer can also represent you in court or mediations with the HOA and help push back against unfair or excessive penalties.

Finding an Atlanta and Greater Metro Atlanta Area Real Estate Litigation Lawyer

If you are in the Atlanta or Greater Metro Atlanta area and you need legal help with your HOA case, contact the experienced Atlanta and Greater Metro Atlanta area real estate litigation lawyers at Evans Law. Contact Evans Law today and speak with an Atlanta and Greater Metro Atlanta area real estate litigation lawyer about your case now.

Source:

wtok.com/2025/09/04/hoa-seeks-foreclose-77-year-olds-home-over-pressure-washing-violations/