Did you know that Georgia has passed legislation aimed at increasing local accountability for certain out-of-state rental property owners?
As more residential properties across Georgia are owned by investors and landlords who live outside the state, lawmakers have placed more focus on making sure tenants and local officials have a reliable in-state point of contact when issues come up. That is where HB 399 comes in.
What Is HB 399?
Georgia HB 399 requires out-of-state landlords who own or operate rental properties in Georgia to:
Employ a licensed real estate broker
Maintain at least one person located in Georgia to manage and respond to tenant communications related to the property
In short, the bill is designed to make sure rental properties have local oversight and that tenants have someone they can actually reach when maintenance issues, complaints, or property concerns arise.
Why Does This Matter?
For out-of-state owners, managing rental property from a distance can be difficult. Even with the best intentions, it is not always easy to:
Respond quickly to tenant maintenance requests
Coordinate repairs and vendors
Keep an eye on the property’s condition
Stay on top of local issues or compliance concerns
Provide the level of responsiveness tenants expect
HB 399 is a reminder that rental properties perform best when there is someone local involved — not just for the tenant experience, but also for the protection of the property itself.
Whether you own one property or twenty-five, having a trusted local team in place can help you:
Protect your investment
Keep tenants happy and informed
Handle maintenance issues quickly
Reduce vacancy and prevent small problems from becoming expensive ones
Make long-distance ownership much less stressful
How Magnolia Coastal Properties Helps
At Magnolia Coastal Properties, we work with both local and out-of-state owners who want the peace of mind that comes with having a professional team on the ground. From tenant communication and maintenance coordination to rent collection and day-to-day oversight, we help owners keep their properties running smoothly — even when they live states away.
If you own rental property in Georgia but live out of state, HB 399 is a great reminder to ask yourself one simple question:
Who is looking after your investment when you are not here?
If you need local support, Magnolia Coastal Properties is here to help.
