3 Major Texas HOA Law Changes Homeowners Need to Know (Updated for 2025–2026)

Texas homeowners' associations (HOAs), officially known as property owners' associations (POAs), continue to evolve under the Texas Property Code. While the core framework remains in Chapters 202 (restrictive covenants) and 209 (the Texas Residential Property Owners Protection Act), recent legislative sessions—particularly 2023 and 2025—introduced targeted updates to promote transparency, fairness, and homeowner protections. These changes address issues like board governance, enforcement practices, security features, political activities, and architectural processes.

The original article focused on three key 2023 laws: HB 886 (lien filing restrictions), HB 614 (fines and enforcement policies), and HB 1193 (tenant payment method discrimination). Those remain important, but significant new provisions took effect on September 1, 2025, from the 89th Legislature. Below, we highlight the most impactful recent changes affecting Texas HOAs and COAs (condominium owners' associations), with practical implications for homeowners and boards.

1. Enhanced Architectural Review Committee (ARC) Transparency and Participation (SB 711, Effective September 1, 2025)

Senate Bill 711, a major omnibus update, added Sections 209.00506 and 209.00507 to Chapter 209. For HOAs managing subdivisions with more than 40 lots, boards must now solicit candidates for ARC positions at least 10 days before appointments or elections. The notice is sent by mail, conspicuous posting (physical or online), and email to registered addresses. It includes instructions for interested homeowners to respond by a deadline (at least 10 days).

Key protections: The HOA must prioritize timely volunteers for ARC spots. Only after filling all positions from volunteers can the board appoint others (including directors, their spouses, or household members). This curbs potential conflicts of interest and opens the process to more residents.

What it means for you: If you're interested in architectural decisions (e.g., approvals for fences, solar panels, or exterior changes), watch for these solicitations—your input now has priority. Boards should update policies to comply, or risk challenges to ARC decisions.

2. Expanded Rules on Security Measures and Fencing (SB 711 Amendments to Section 202.023, Effective September 1, 2025)

Building on 2021 protections allowing reasonable security installations (cameras, motion detectors, perimeter fences), SB 711 refines HOA authority to regulate them for safety and aesthetics. HOAs can now prohibit security fencing that blocks licensed areas, public sidewalks, or drainage easements/drainage areas. Front-yard fencing (ahead of the home's front building line) is restricted unless:

• Installed before September 1, 2025,
• The property has a public-disclosure-exempt address (e.g., for safety reasons), or
• Supported by law-enforcement documentation demonstrating enhanced security needs.

Driveway gates face limits too—no installation within 10 feet of the right-of-way on laned roads.

What it means for you: These balance homeowner safety with community standards and prevent obstructions in shared spaces. If planning security upgrades, review your HOA's updated rules—grandfathered pre-2025 installations may still qualify.

3. Access to Common Areas for Political Events and Candidates (HB 621, Effective September 1, 2025)

House Bill 621 adds Section 202.013, prohibiting HOAs from banning owners or residents from inviting elected officials or political candidates to speak or meet in common areas (e.g., clubhouses, pools, parks). HOAs can apply standard event rules—like fees, reservations, deposits, or occupancy limits—but can't outright prohibit these gatherings.

Exceptions: Closed seasonal areas or spaces reserved solely for HOA meetings (board, member, or committee). Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) HOAs are exempt.

What it means for you: This supports civic engagement and free speech in community spaces. If your HOA previously restricted political meetings, it must now allow them under reasonable conditions—great for election-season discussions or candidate forums.

Ongoing Impact from Earlier Laws (Still Relevant in 2025–2026)

• Fines and Enforcement (HB 614, Effective 2024): HOAs must maintain a recorded enforcement policy with violation categories, fine schedules, and hearing info—distributed annually or posted online.
• Lien and Foreclosure Protections (HB 886, Effective 2023): Stricter notice and hearing requirements before liens for unpaid assessments.
• Tenant Protections (HB 1193, Effective 2023): No discrimination against tenants using lawful payment methods (e.g., Section 8 vouchers).

These build on Chapter 209's emphasis on due process, open meetings, record access, and limits on foreclosures.

Practical Tips for Texas Homeowners

Review your HOA's management certificate (filed publicly and in the state database at hoa.texas.gov) for current contacts and rules. Attend open board meetings, request records, and consider running for the board or ARC to influence changes. For disputes, explore mediation before escalation—Chapter 209 often requires it.

Laws evolve; check the official Texas statutes or consult an HOA attorney for your situation. Staying informed helps protect your rights and maintain a fair community.