Christopher Bakhtiary
Riverlook - River Heights

"There's a handful of bad HOAs and you act like every single one is. This entire situation is blown out of proportion by people like you shouting on a soapbox and only speak in half-truths. The vast majority of HOAs follow their governing documents and if you have an issue, you can run for a leadership role to push for change. And the vast majority of people who complain about HOAs and the management companies are the people who are late on their dues, don't follow rules, or want to enforce rules selectively. Government involvement is likely just going to increase your dues."

My response: Shirley Thompson, Smyrna Homeowners Advocate 

Christopher, I get wanting to defend HOAs, but my case isn't a "soapbox half-truth"—it's $350 a week since October 24, 2025, for a sprinkler inspection "violation" that's not in our CC&R, exempted by Georgia/Cobb County for townhomes, and unproven by insurance docs despite my demands.

Real Numbers, Not Exaggeration
I'm current on all assessments—no late dues here.

This is a pure violation/late fees, and attorney fees stacking to $6,300+ now, with lien/foreclosure threats if unpaid.

I was on the board, shaped policy, and even got Fire Marshal confirmation: no jurisdiction over townhome interiors.

That's not "selective rule-breaking"—it's an HOA inventing mandates outside governing docs, exactly why SB 406 is advancing: raises the foreclosure threshold to $4k and requires registration or no enforcement power.

Not Just Me—It's Systemic
Most complainers aren't deadbeats; they're owners like me facing undocumented fines while boards rubber-stamp management fees. Good HOAs have nothing to fear from transparency—$100 registration won't raise dues, but it stops abuses that do.

​Facts over feelings: happy to DM you my ledger, CC&R pages, and Fire Marshal email. Run for the board if you want change? I did. When new ones ignore the contract, we need state backup.