4 bills in S.C. General Assembly would regulate homeowners groups

The Associated Press//January 16, 2015//

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — Complaints about how subdivision and condominium homeowners associations operate have led lawmakers to introduce four bills to more closely regulate the groups.

The Sun News of Myrtle Beach reports that lawmakers including state Reps. Nelson Hardwick and Mike Ryhal have introduced a bill that would limit the time developers could keep control over subdivisions.

It would also require that disputes between homeowners associations and homeowners be settled in magistrate court.

Other bills would make the associations subject to state open meeting laws and define the process through which associations can fine homeowners.

Last October, more than 1,000 homeowners concerned about the operation of homeowners associations attended a meeting sponsored by the Horry County legislative delegation.