Georgia Senate Bill SB313

Georgia 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/28/25
• Refer: 3/3/25

Caption

Enforcement Methods; investigations or inspections of certain residential rental property when there is a reasonable suspicion of a code violation; provide

Impact

If enacted, SB313 would allow local governments to require registration of residential rental properties owned by entities with at least 20 properties in Georgia, which is a significant change in how residential rental properties are managed and regulated. This could potentially improve tenant safety and compliance with housing standards as local authorities would have more tools at their disposal to inspect properties for violations. However, it raises questions regarding the enforcement capabilities of local governments and their responsibilities to manage these inspections effectively.

Summary

Senate Bill 313 aims to amend existing regulations regarding the investigation and inspection of residential rental properties in Georgia. Specifically, it permits local governments to conduct investigations or inspections of properties with four or more dwelling units upon having reasonable suspicion of code violations. This approach marks a significant shift from the current requirement of requiring probable cause for inspections, thereby easing the regulatory burden on municipalities to ensure compliance with housing codes.

Contention

The bill may face opposition due to concerns about the balance of power between state oversight and local governance. Critics might argue that this legislation could lead to an overreach into the rights of property owners and might burden them with increased registration and inspection demands. Conversely, proponents may contend that such measures are necessary to protect tenants' rights and to ensure safe living conditions in rental properties. The discussions surrounding the bill are likely to focus on these differing perspectives on local government authority and tenant protections.