SAN ANTONIO (San Antonio Express-News) – A number of new state regulations are now in effect that limit some of the powers of homeowner associations (HOAs).
Homeowners living in a neighborhood with an HOA now must be permitted to:
- Display the U.S. or Texas flag, or flags of military branches. Free-standing flagpoles no more than 20 feet tall are also allowed.
- Hang a religious display on the front door. (HOAs can, however, require the display be no larger than 25 square inches.)
- Collect rainwater in barrels and use solar panels, within limits.
In addition, HOAs must go through a judge to foreclose on owners who fall behind on dues, and the HOA must give the owner a payment plan.
HOAs also have to hold open meetings, post a notice of those meetings and adopt record retention policies.
