New to an HOA in Houston? What Homeowners Need to Know

Many homes in the Houston area are part of a homeowners association. If you’re buying your first HOA home, or just moved into one, it helps to know how the association works, what you’re agreeing to and where to turn with questions. A little knowledge up front prevents a lot of surprises later.

What should you know before buying a home in an HOA in Texas?

Before buying a home in a Texas HOA, read the deed restrictions, bylaws and rules to make sure they fit how you want to live. Check the current dues, any special assessments and the association’s financial health. Review the resale certificate, which shows what the seller owes, known violations, insurance and other key information. Also find out who manages the community and how to reach them.

Before you buy: what to review

The governing documents

These tell you what you can and can’t do with your property. Look for rules on:

• Fences, sheds, paint colors and additions
• Parking, including work trucks, boats and RVs
• Renting out your home, including short-term rentals
• Pets
• Home businesses
• Landscaping and lawn care standards

If something matters to you, like parking a work truck or adding a pool, check the rules before you buy.

Dues and finances

Ask about:

• The current dues amount and how often they’re billed
• Any special assessments that are planned or unpaid
• Recent dues increases
• The health of the reserve fund

The resale certificate

In Texas, Property Code Chapter 207 lets a seller, or a buyer under contract, request a resale certificate from the HOA. It generally includes information such as:

• Whether the seller owes any dues or fees
• The current dues amount
• Any known violations at the property
• Whether the association is involved in lawsuits
• Information about insurance coverage
• Any right of first refusal
• Fees that will be charged when the property transfers
• Contact information for the association or its manager

Read it carefully, and ask your real estate agent or title company about anything that’s unclear.

After you move in: how dues work

• Billing: Dues are usually billed annually, quarterly or monthly, depending on your community.
• Paying: Most management companies offer online payments, and many offer automatic drafts.
• Late payments: Late fees and collection steps follow the association’s policy and Texas law. If you ever have trouble paying, contact the management company early to ask about a payment plan.

Rules that surprise new owners most often

• Exterior changes need approval. Even small projects, like a new fence or a different door color, often need architectural review first.
• Trash cans must usually be stored out of sight except on collection days.
• Parking rules for boats, trailers, RVs and commercial vehicles can be strict.
• Lawn care standards are enforced, especially in the growing season.
• Holiday decorations may have time limits.

When in doubt, ask before you act. It’s much easier than undoing a project.

Who to call for what

If you need…

Contact

Questions about dues, your account or rules

Your HOA management company

Approval for an exterior project

The management company or architectural review committee

Report a problem in a common area

The management company

Streetlight outages on public streets, potholes on public roads

Your city or county

Trash and recycling service

Your city, county, MUD or hauler, depending on where you live

Water and sewer

Your city or MUD (municipal utility district)

Emergencies

911

Many Houston-area neighborhoods are also served by a MUD, which provides water, sewer and drainage and is separate from the HOA.

Getting involved

The best way to understand your HOA, and help shape it, is to get involved:

• Attend board meetings and the annual meeting
• Read newsletters and community updates
• Vote in elections
• Join a committee, like social, landscaping or architectural review
• Consider running for the board

Frequently asked questions

Can I opt out of my HOA?

Generally, no. If your property is covered by recorded deed restrictions that create the association, membership and dues are mandatory.

How do I get a copy of my HOA’s rules?

Ask your management company. Texas requires associations to make their governing documents available, and many post them online.

What’s the difference between an HOA and a MUD?

An HOA manages common areas and enforces the deed restrictions. A MUD is a local government district that provides utilities like water, sewer and drainage.

Who do I call if I have a problem with a neighbor?

For rule violations, contact the management company. For safety concerns or emergencies, contact local law enforcement.

Welcome to the neighborhood. If your community is managed by Complete Management, call us any time during office hours at (281) 469-1057. If your board is looking for a management partner, Request a Proposal to meet with Donna.

This article is general information, not legal advice. Talk with your real estate agent, title company or attorney about your situation.