Associations of all sizes and purposes use bylaws to provide a consistent structure for guiding their teams. Association bylaws cover a range of topics like an organization's purpose, how meetings should be run and membership requirements.
Many HOAs maintain a website where governing documents are posted. To find HOA rules and regulations online: Navigate to the HOA's official website. Look for sections labeled “Documents,” “Governing Documents,” or “Rules and Regulations.”
As a result, the Homeowner's Association Management Certificate Database website is now live and available to the public. The TREC website for HOA management certificates is .
Most HOA documents are public record, including governing documents. Some states only require the HOA to make certain documents public, while others can be kept confidential. These confidential records can include things like board meeting minutes, financial records, and insurance claims.
Depending on the organizational form of the entity, however, the home or property owners' association may not be required to register with the secretary of state.
Homeowners can secure their HOA statement of account through their board or manager. More often than not, though, the board treasurer provides this to homeowners on a regular basis. Additionally, if an HOA has a homeowner portal, members can log into their accounts and view their statement.
Certificates are filed in the county where the property is located and electronically in the Homeowners' Association Management Certificate Database. They often include contact information, mailing address, and website where governing documents can be found.
There is no Texas state agency that oversees property owners' associations. Talking to the board or checking the association's rules can sometimes resolve misunderstandings and disagreements. The association's governing documents will often provide a way to submit a complaint directly to the association.