In an effort to promote transparency and fairness, the Texas Legislature has passed House Bill 614 (H.B. 614), a significant piece of legislation that impacts property owners’ associations and homeowners. This bill, set to take effect on January 1, 2024, mandates property owners’ associations to establish a clear policy regarding fines and related violations.
Background
The genesis of H.B. 614 was the ongoing issue of Texas property owners’ associations levying disproportionately high fines against property owners for minimal violations. The current law was ambiguous with respect to the authority of a property owners’ association to levy fines, leading to calls for increased clarity regarding the legal standards by which those fines are measured.
What Does H.B. 614 Do?
H.B. 614 addresses this issue by requiring a property owners’ association to establish a transparent policy regarding fines and related violations. The policy must include general categories of restrictive covenants for which the association may assess fines, a schedule of fines for each category of violation, and information regarding hearings before the board to discuss and verify facts and resolve a violation. The enforcement policy may reserve the board’s authority to levy a fine from the schedule of fines that varies on a case-by-case basis.
Each property owners’ association must provide a copy of the policy to an owner of each property in the subdivision by posting the policy on a website maintained by the association or an agent acting on the association’s behalf that is accessible to association members; or annually sending a copy of the policy, separately or included in routine communication from the association to property owners, by personal delivery, mail, or email. You can read the full text of the bill here.
Why is H.B. 614 Important?
This legislation is a significant step towards ensuring fair and transparent practices in Texas property owners’ associations. By requiring a clear policy on fines, H.B. 614 helps to protect homeowners from disproportionately high fines for minimal violations. This includes homeowners who often face barriers to understanding the complex rules and regulations set by their property owners’ associations.
Furthermore, H.B. 614 upholds the principle of transparency, a cornerstone of fair governance. It affirms that property owners should have clear information about the potential fines they could face, providing them with the knowledge they need to comply with their association’s rules.
Impact on Property Owners’ Associations
For property owners’ associations, H.B. 614 necessitates a review and potential revision of their existing rules and regulations. Any provisions that do not comply with the new law will need to be removed or amended to ensure transparency and fairness in the levying of fines.
Conclusion
H.B. 614 represents a significant shift in Texas property law, aiming to promote transparency and fairness in the levying of fines by property owners’ associations. As we move towards the bill’s effective date, property owners’ associations will need to ensure their rules and regulations comply with this new legislation. For homeowners, particularly those who have faced disproportionately high fines, H.B. 614 offers increased protection and the promise of fairer practices in their property owners’ associations.
As always, it’s important to stay informed about changes in legislation that may impact you. If you have any questions about H.B. 614 or how it might affect you, consider reaching out to a legal professional for advice. You can also refer to the bill analyses here and here for more detailed information.
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.
Thanks!
Leave a Reply