Generally speaking, most HOAs can control anything that is visible from outside the house. So that includes anything that goes on outside, up to the siding, roofing, etc on the house itself. It wouldn't be too far of a stretch to assume they would have requirements for backyard items.
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.
You can contact your local government office for assistance. For example, you can visit the California Attorney General's HOA Consumer Information page for more details. Online Databases: There are online databases and resources that compile HOA documents. These can be helpful if your HOA participates in such programs.
Section 4900 of the Act says that all HOA board meetings must be open to all association members, with a few exceptions for private sessions. In California, executive sessions are closed-door talks that only board members, and certain other people can attend.
In some states, such as California, HOA bylaws are considered public record and must be made available upon request.
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.
Crazy as it seems, HOA covenants do expire in many states, lasting only 30 years. Beyond that, covenants can become unenforceable. Associations can essentially undo this, though, with the help of covenant revitalization.
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.
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.