Understanding Texas HOA Laws The homeowners association's management of affairs is governed by a board of directors elected by the homeowners. The board is responsible for enforcing the community's restrictive covenants, managing the community's finances, and making decisions on behalf of the community.
The new law went into effect on Jan. 1, 2024. HOAs are mandated by law to provide property owners with a catalog outlining prohibited items, a fine timetable, and details on the conduct of hearings. The information must be posted to their website and given annually to residents via delivery, first-class mail, or email.
Texas HOA Laws Texas Property Code, Title 11. Chapters 201-215 govern property owners' associations in Texas. Texas Property Code, Chapter 202. This chapter discusses restrictive covenants, their construction, and enforcement. Texas Property Code, Chapter 209. Texas Business Organizations Code, Chapter 22.
Simply put, homeowners association bylaws dictate how an HOA should run. Since HOAs are considered corporations under law, albeit non-profit, they require bylaws to govern day-to-day operations. HOA bylaws are also sometimes referred to as neighborhood association bylaws or subdivision bylaws.
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.
Understanding Texas HOA Laws The homeowners association's management of affairs is governed by a board of directors elected by the homeowners. The board is responsible for enforcing the community's restrictive covenants, managing the community's finances, and making decisions on behalf of the community.
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.
CC&Rs (covenants, conditions, and restrictions) regulate everything from exterior appearance to pets. HOAs have many legal powers, including the ability to impose fines, place liens on properties, and, in some cases, initiate foreclosure proceedings.
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.
Texas House Bill 614: Balances power between HOAs and homeowners. To help address the problem of homeowners not being aware, or unclear about HOA rules, how they may have broken them, and what the financial penalties are, Texas passed house bill 614, in January 2024.