FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is a homeowners association (HOA)?
An HOA is an organization that manages a residential community — enforcing shared rules (covenants), maintaining common areas, and collecting dues (assessments) to pay for that upkeep.
Do I have to join my neighborhood's HOA?
If a property is inside a subdivision with a mandatory HOA, membership generally isn't optional — it's tied to the deed itself, not a club you opt into.
What is a Texas HOA resale certificate, and why does it matter when buying a home?
It's the disclosure document a seller must provide before closing, covering dues, violations, pending assessments, and lawsuits. See our resale certificate guide for what it covers and the review period you get after receiving one.
What is a management certificate, and where does this site’s data come from?
A management certificate is a separate filing (Texas Property Code Chapter 209) that identifies who runs an HOA and where official notices should go. That's the exact document this directory is built from — see our About page for details.
What happens if I don't pay my HOA dues?
Consequences typically escalate from late fees to a lien against the property, and can go further depending on your specific HOA's governing documents. See our guide to HOA liens in Texas for more detail.
Can my HOA restrict things like solar panels or drought-tolerant landscaping?
Not entirely — Chapter 202 of the Texas Property Code limits how much HOAs can restrict solar panels, flags, and drought-resistant landscaping, even if a community's covenants say otherwise.
What do homeowners complain about most with their HOA?
There's no comprehensive public Texas-specific dataset on this, but complaint data published by other states' regulators consistently shows a few recurring themes: inconsistent enforcement of rules, maintenance disputes, HOAs not responding to information requests, and disagreements over fees or special assessments.
How do I report an issue with a listing on this site?
Use the "Let us know" link on that listing's page, or go to our contact page.
This page is general information, not legal advice.