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.
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.
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.
The main difference is that covenants dictate property-related restrictions, while bylaws govern how the HOA operates — things like board elections, meeting procedures, and voting rights. Because covenants are recorded with the property deed and tied to real estate law, they generally hold more weight.
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.
In some states, such as California, HOA bylaws are considered public record and must be made available upon request.
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.
Notably, Texas HOA's with 60 or more lots are legally required to have an HOA Website, ensuring transparency and accessibility for all members. The HOA Website Law in Texas is designed to facilitate better communication and provide a centralized location for important association information.
Eligibility. In general, Texas law does not contain any specific requirements for someone to be eligible to serve on the Board of Directors. A director doesn't even have to be a member of the organization. However, many property owners' associations create their own eligibility requirements in the governing documents.