DeKalb County officials are grappling with the complexities of managing rental properties and absentee landlords, as discussions at the Special Called OPS Committee Meeting on September 8 revealed significant challenges in enforcing property regulations. The meeting focused on the need for a comprehensive property ownership database, which aims to address issues related to absentee landlords and improve neighborhood compliance.

Commissioners highlighted the limitations of current state law, which prohibits mandatory registration of rental properties. Instead, the law allows counties to identify property owners and tenants through available means, but does not require owners to register. This has raised concerns about the ability to effectively manage properties owned by out-of-state investors, who often leave local residents struggling to address code violations or complaints.

A key point of discussion was the potential for requiring property owners to designate a registered agent within the state. This would provide a local contact for residents facing issues with rental properties. While existing state law mandates that corporations doing business in Georgia have a registered agent, individual property owners do not have the same requirement, complicating enforcement efforts.

Commissioners also explored the possibility of leveraging existing databases, such as utility billing records, to gather owner information. However, they acknowledged that these records may not provide a complete picture, as they rely on tenants to provide lease information when opening accounts. The conversation underscored the need for a more systematic approach to collecting and maintaining property ownership data.

As the meeting concluded, officials recognized the urgency of addressing these issues to protect neighborhoods and improve communication between residents and property owners. The committee plans to further investigate legislative options and local initiatives that could enhance their ability to manage rental properties effectively. The outcome of these discussions could lead to significant changes in how DeKalb County handles property ownership and tenant relations in the future.