Local Property Representative – Georgia Landlords
If you own rental property in Georgia but live somewhere else, you may now be expected to have a reliable local contact. This page explains how Selvage Home Services (SHS) can serve as your local property representative so you stay compliant and protect your investment.
Table of Contents
- What This Service Is
- Why Georgia Wants Local Contacts
- Real-World Scenarios
- Questions and Answers
- Steps for Out-of-State Landlords
What This Service Is
Local Property Representative – Georgia Landlords is a service for owners who are not physically in Georgia but need:
- a trusted local point of contact for tenants, inspectors, and vendors
- eyes and ears on the property on a regular basis
- someone who can coordinate repairs quickly
- someone who can help them respond to emergencies
Selvage Home Services (SHS) can:
- receive tenant maintenance requests
- inspect issues on-site (fences, gates, decks, exterior conditions)
- coordinate repairs with our team or your preferred vendors
- send you photos, videos, and written reports
Why Georgia Wants Local Contacts
Georgia’s 2026 rules are tightening to make sure:
- tenants can reach someone when there is a leak, fire risk, or safety problem
- properties are not left in unsafe or neglected condition
- code and health issues are handled faster
When a landlord is several hours or states away, small problems can become big ones very quickly. Having a local representative reduces risk for:
- you as the owner
- your tenants
- your insurance company
- your neighborhood
Real-World Scenarios
Scenario 1 – Broken Pipe
A pipe bursts on a cold night. The tenant calls you, but you are in another time zone and asleep. Water runs for hours. By the time anyone acts, there is major damage and mold.
Scenario 2 – Unsecured Fence or Gate
A backyard fence collapses. A dog can get out. Children can wander in. The tenant cannot get you on the phone. They may call code enforcement or legal help instead.
Scenario 3 – Inspection Notice
The city or county schedules an inspection. You need someone present to unlock gates, answer questions, and receive feedback. You are hundreds of miles away.
In each of these scenarios, having SHS listed as your local representative can reduce stress and speed up the solution.
Questions and Answers
Q: I own property in Georgia but live out of state. Do I really need a local representative?
A: Under 2026 rules and expectations, you are much safer if you have a local contact
who can respond quickly to maintenance and safety issues. It shows good faith and keeps
you aligned with Georgia’s push for better landlord responsiveness.
Q: Does SHS become the legal owner or property manager?
A: No. You remain the owner. We serve as your local maintenance and communication
representative under a services agreement.
Q: What kinds of issues can SHS handle?
A: Exterior repairs (fences, gates, decks), emergency stabilizing work, junk and debris
removal, coordination of interior vendors, and communication with tenants, inspectors,
or HOA as needed.
Q: Can SHS help with documentation for my insurance?
A: Yes. We can provide photos, notes, and invoices showing that issues were addressed,
which can support your insurance claims or non-renewal discussions. See also:
Insurance Non-Renewal Help – Repairs & Documentation.
Steps for Out-of-State Landlords
- Make a list of all Georgia rental properties you own.
- Note which ones do not have a clear local contact.
- Review any new lease, county, or state requirements referencing local contacts.
- Contact SHS to discuss a local representative plan for your properties.
- Document our relationship in your files so you can show you are acting responsibly.
For a big-picture overview of the 2026 law changes that affect both homeowners and landlords, visit: Georgia Homeowner Laws 2026 – Simple Guide.