House Bill 614 is a significant step towards a more balanced and equitable relationship between HOAs and homeowners in Texas. By clearly outlining fining procedures and ensuring your right to due process, this HOA law empowers you to navigate your HOA community with confidence.
For Texas associations, state laws are the only dedicatory instrument that outranks your Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs, your association's “Boss Doc”).
HOA Rights in Texas The Collection of Fees Known as "Assessments" or "Dues" ... Enforcing Community Rules and Regulations. Access to Common Areas and Shared Facilities. The Right to Create Bylaws. Host Meetings. Property Owners' Associations Must Be Transparent. Fair and Consistent Enforcement of Rules and Regulations.
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.
In 2021, the Texas Senate passed Bill 1588, which placed restrictions on HOA authority over fencing. This legislation ensures that if you own a property, your HOA cannot categorically deny you the right to a fence installation.
The local law supersedes the rules and regulations of the HOA, meaning that HOAs must ensure they are operating under the law.
Effective January 1, 2024. A property owners' association must adopt an enforcement policy regarding levying of fines. The policy must be made available to the property owners.
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.
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 absence of an HOA board can result in significant risks, including financial mismanagement, where bills go unpaid and dues are uncollected, leading to financial instability. Residents and city officials can also bring about legal actions against the HOA, resulting in expensive court actions.