HOA board members in Texas can be sued personally if they engage in negligent, willful misconduct, bad faith, fraud, criminal activity or actions beyond their board authority.
Texas law places limits on HOA power, including restrictions on their ability to prohibit certain types of construction like solar panels and rules against unreasonable fines or foreclosure practices. The exact limitations are outlined in state statutes, which are intended to protect homeowners' rights.
Disclosure Requirements Disclosure is mandated by law, often through public records and real property records. Before purchasing a home, buyers must receive a set of documents detailing the HOA's health, such as its covenants, conditions, restrictions, bylaws, rules, and financial statements.
The governing documents should stipulate the conditions under which the property owners' association may access the premises. It's also important to mention here that HOAs must provide the homeowner with written notice at least one to two weeks before entering the property unless there is an emergency.
The board may, without membership approval, levy a special assessment up to five percent (5%) of the current year's budgeted gross expenses, subject to certain requirements.
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.
Once you buy a home that's part of an HOA, you automatically become a member of the HOA. HOA rules are legally binding, and you must adhere to all rules and regulations in the governing document. Yes, there are bylaws that you may not like, but there are no HOA loopholes.
House Bill 614 guarantees your right to a hearing before the HOA board to contest the violation or the proposed fine. This ensures a fair and transparent process where you can voice your concerns and advocate for your interests.
All communities differ, and larger HOAs may have bigger boards while smaller ones have fewer members. On average, an HOA's board is comprised of three to five members.