Georgia bill mandates flood history disclosure for home buyers

Georgia lawmakers have taken a significant step towards enhancing transparency in real estate transactions by advancing a bill that mandates sellers to disclose flood damage history. During a recent Judiciary Committee meeting, representatives discussed House Bill 618, which aims to align the rights of home buyers with those of renters regarding flood risk information.

Currently, Georgia law requires landlords to inform renters about a property's flooding history, but home buyers lack similar protections. This gap has left many buyers unaware of potential flooding issues until after they have made their purchase, often leading to unexpected financial burdens. The proposed legislation seeks to rectify this by ensuring that buyers receive crucial information about a property's flood risk before making one of the largest financial commitments of their lives.

Anne Brody, the state government relations director at the American Flood Coalition, emphasized the bill's simplicity and its alignment with similar laws in neighboring states like South Carolina and North Carolina. She noted that the bill would not impose additional costs on sellers, as it merely requires them to check boxes and attach forms to provide necessary disclosures. Brody also highlighted that increased awareness of flood risks could lead to a higher uptake of flood insurance among homeowners, potentially lowering insurance costs statewide.

The committee unanimously supported the bill, recognizing its importance in protecting Georgia home buyers and promoting informed decision-making in the housing market.

In addition to the flood disclosure bill, the committee also reviewed House Bill 676, which introduces penalties for filing liens on properties without proper rights. This measure aims to protect homeowners, contractors, and builders from potential abuses in the lien process, ensuring fair treatment in property transactions.

As these bills progress, they signal a commitment to enhancing consumer protections and fostering a more transparent real estate environment in Georgia.