Texas HOA Laws: Fines, Foreclosure & Your Rights (2026)
Select your situation below to see what Texas law actually allows your HOA to do — with the statute, the limits, and your next steps.
Texas HOA law at a glance
HOA fined me: Documents must authorize fines. Certified-mail notice + cure opportunity required (§ 209.006). Board hearing right (§ 209.007). Written enforcement policy required. No statutory dollar cap, but fines must be reasonable. Long protected-activities list (§§ 202.009–202.019, 259.002). (Tex. Prop. Code §§ 209.006–209.007)
HOA threatens foreclosure / lien: No foreclosure for fines/attorney-fees-only debt (§ 209.009). Judicial process required (§ 209.0092). Payment plan rights: 3–18 months, down payment ≤ lesser of $500 or 15% (§ 209.0062). 180-day redemption after sale (§ 209.011). Notice-after-sale rights (§ 209.010). (Tex. Prop. Code § 209.0092 · § 209.009 · § 209.0062)
HOA denied my solar panels: Denials allowed only for the statute's listed exceptions; blanket bans are void. (Tex. Prop. Code § 202.010)
HOA won't show records: Records open to examination and copying (§ 209.005). Open board meetings with notice + agenda (§ 209.0051). Governing documents are public county records. Credit reporting of debts requires advance notice to you (§ 209.0065). (Tex. Prop. Code § 209.005)
HOA raised fees / special assessment: Check your CC&Rs for caps and vote thresholds. Open-meeting and notice rules apply to board assessment decisions. (Declaration controls · Tex. Prop. Code § 209.0051 (open meetings))
HOA restricts renting my home: No tenant credit/background file demands. Lease-info requirements limited. Restrictions must be authorized by documents. (Tex. Prop. Code § 209.016 · your CC&Rs)
Each citation links to its current official text on the Texas legislature’s own site (statutes.capitol.texas.gov) — the authoritative source, since laws are amended often.
Beyond Texas law, federal rules protect two things in every state: U.S. flag display and disability accommodations. EV charging is protected in some states but not all. Choose flag, disability accommodation, or EV charger in the checker above to see those.
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Texas HOA questions
HOA fined me — what does Texas law say?
Texas HOAs may fine only if their governing documents authorize it — state law alone does not grant fining power. Before penalties, the association must send written notice by certified mail describing the violation, the fine amount, and how to cure it, and must offer a hearing before the board. Many associations must also adopt a written enforcement policy. Texas law also protects activities that cannot be banned or fined: solar devices, energy-efficient shingles, rain barrels, drought-resistant landscaping, standby generators, US/Texas/military flags, religious items on entry doors, certain political signs, lawful firearm storage, and satellite dishes.
HOA threatens foreclosure / lien — what does Texas law say?
A Texas HOA can foreclose over unpaid assessments — but the protections are among the strongest in America. Foreclosure is prohibited if the debt consists solely of fines or attorney’s fees. Court oversight is required (judicial or expedited foreclosure with a court order, unless properly waived). Associations with more than 14 lots must offer payment plans: minimum 3 months, up to 18 months, no extra penalties during the plan, and any down payment capped at the lesser of $500 or 15% of the balance. Even after a foreclosure sale, you have 180 days to redeem (buy back) your home.
HOA denied my solar panels — what does Texas law say?
Texas protects solar rights: HOAs generally cannot prohibit solar energy devices, with only limited statutory exceptions (such as placement rules and shared roofs), and bad-faith denials are barred.
HOA won't show records — what does Texas law say?
Texas owners have a broad right to examine association books and records — financial records, contracts, meeting minutes, membership information — and to obtain copies. Governing documents are also public records filed with the county. Board meetings must be open to owners with advance notice and agenda, and any meeting where an assessment increase is discussed must be open to all members.
Is this legal advice?
No. Everything here is general legal information for education. How a statute applies to you depends on your governing documents and facts we can’t see. For a dispute involving your money or your home, talk to a licensed Texas attorney. Read the full disclaimer.
Moving, or own property nearby? Compare neighboring states
HOA powers change sharply at state lines — a fine that’s capped in one state may be unlimited next door. Same six situations, different rules: