Eva Marcille is now locked in a legal battle with her neighborhood association, which is demanding $22,000 in unpaid fees and penalties. The suit, filed against the former Real Housewives of Atlanta star, centers on alleged violations at her 4,700-square-foot Alpharetta home, including an unkempt lawn, overgrown weeds, and unapproved items left in public view.
Her husband and attorney, Michael T. Sterling, confirmed the dispute to TMZ and Realtor.com, vowing to fight the claim. “Eva Marcille is not going to lose her home over weeds in her lawn or a vehicle parked outside her residence. Period,” Sterling stated. He accused the HOA of weaponizing fines and liens to intimidate homeowners over minor aesthetic issues.
The defense strategy hinges on the Georgia Property Owners' Bill of Rights Act, signed into law in April. This legislation provides formal dispute resolution mechanisms and aims to curb excessive penalties imposed by neighborhood associations. Sterling argues the case touches on broader property rights, stating, “This is about more than one homeowner... It is about protecting the fundamental right to homeownership.”
Marcille purchased the five-bedroom property in November 2019 for $780,000. She featured the home during Season 12 of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, describing it as her “forever home.” The house, which she holds in sole ownership, is currently valued at approximately $1.35 million.
The HOA is seeking a financial judgment that covers not just the base dues, but also accumulated late fees, daily fines for ongoing violations, and legal costs. The next step in this dispute will likely involve court filings where Sterling formally invokes the new state protections to dismiss or reduce the claimed damages.