Augusta University dean sued by Martinez HOA over Air BnB property

An Augusta University dean is being sued by his homeowner’s association for renting his home out as an Airbnb and event venue despite multiple warnings it violated the HOA rules.

The complaint was filed July 3 against Gursimran Singh Walia by the Barrington Owners Association Inc. Walia serves as the associate dean of the School of Computer and Cyber Security at AU. According to the complaint, Walia has been using a property he owns in Martinez as an Airbnb rental against the terms of the HOA agreement, which explicitly bans rentals except for the Masters tournament.

Requests for comment to Walia’s attorney were not immediately returned on Tuesday. Previous news reports say Walia was also cited for code violations in relation to the rental, allegations Walia’s attorney called “absurd.” That citation is outstanding.

The lawsuit requests an injunction against using the home at 3526 Lakestone Court as a short-term rental and event venue, which Barrington alleges has caused “excessive vehicle traffic and parking.” The lawsuit also asks for attorney’s fees, along with “other and further relief.”