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.
Voting to amend the CC&Rs must be done by secret ballot pursuant to written election rules established by the association. (Civ. Code §§ 5100, 5105(a); See also “Balloting Requirements & Procedures.”) The text of the proposed CC&R amendment must be delivered to the members with the ballot. (Civ.
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.
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.
Other rules apply to the use of the facilities and the adherence to certain architectural guidelines. Anyone who doesn't comply with these laws may be subject to fines, but the HOA can't evict them. These fines, along with unpaid HOA fees, can lead to the removal of non-compliant homeowners from a community.
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.
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.
The maximum special assessment that a HOA in Texas can impose is five percent of the current year's budgeted gross expenses, though a community vote may be required to approve this. However, the vote must be approved by a majority of the members in the community.