Neighborhood homeowner’s associations are meant to keep a community looking good and running right. But people often complain they overstep or some say their HOAs don’t do anything at all.
Some of that may change. One new law set to go into effect in 2024 in Texas will impact every community with an HOA.
Law about HOA fines and fees
House Bill 614 is known as the “fines and enforcement policy”. This law requires all HOAs to detail the types of rules and the schedule of fines.
HOAs must explain rules and “reasonable” fines in these categories:
- property maintenance and repair
- individual misconduct, and
- matters affecting health and safety
This must also include information about hearings. This law goes into effect January 1, 2024.
Law about HOA and liens - House Bill 886
(HB 886) has to do with what happens when you don’t pay fines and fees. This law went into effect on September 1, 2023.
The HOA can place a lien on your home.
House Bill 886 sets certain mandates all HOAs must do before going through the lien process. In part, they have to give the homeowner at least three warnings before the lien is placed.
This is meant to help with communication and give homeowners clearer guidelines for paying off the debt.
In rare cases, it could mean the HOA forces the sale of your home to collect the money owed.
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Do you have a question for Amy? Email AskAmy@kprc.com.