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State Summary
Got a Texas HOA violation? §209.006–§209.007 require written notice, a chance to cure, and a hearing before the board — and a fine-only debt cannot be foreclosed. Know your rights.
Governing Law: Texas Property Code Chapters 201-215 — Texas HOA Law
Researched by Brandon Sorensen
Max Fine
No statewide cap
Aggregate Cap
Must be "reasonable"
Notice Period
Written notice required
Hearing
Yes — §209.007
Texas HOA law is governed primarily by the Texas Property Code, Chapters 201-215, establishing one of the nation's most flexible but homeowner-protective regulatory frameworks. Unlike states with strict fine caps, Texas does not impose a statewide maximum fine amount — but imposes a "reasonableness" standard that has proven effective in limiting board overreach.
Recent legislation refined two areas. House Bill 886 (2023), effective September 1, 2023, added a two-notice requirement before an HOA can file a lien for unpaid assessments (§209.0094). House Bill 614 (2023), effective January 1, 2024, requires any HOA that fines to adopt a written fine policy and schedule (§209.0061).
This guide covers everything you need to know about Texas HOA law: how to fight violations under §209.006–§209.007, the enforcement policy and fine schedule your HOA must adopt under §209.0061, and the limits on foreclosing for fine-only debt under §209.009. Use the sections below to find the information most relevant to your situation.
Homeowners associations in Texas are governed by the Texas Property Code Chapters 201-215 — Texas HOA Law. Under that statute, the maximum fine an HOA can impose is No statewide cap, with Must be "reasonable" as the aggregate limit for continuing or repeated violations.
Before a fine becomes enforceable, your HOA must give you Written notice required. Texas requires a hearing in the following circumstances: Yes — §209.007. If your HOA skipped any of these procedural steps, the fine may be challengeable on procedural grounds regardless of whether you actually violated the underlying rule.
The three guides below cover the law in depth: how to fight a violation in Texas, what your rights and the HOA's obligations are under Texas Property Code Chapters 201-215 — Texas HOA Law, and the specific dollar limits and lien rules that apply to fines.
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In Texas a fine-only debt cannot be foreclosed (§209.009). Demand your §209.007 hearing, make the HOA show its §209.0061 fine policy, and get violations dismissed.
Read Guide →Complete explanation of Texas Property Code Chapters 209-211. Your rights to records, architectural review, protected activities (flags, signs, solar panels, religious items), open meetings, and protections against board overreach.
Read Guide →Complete guide to Texas fine standards: No statewide cap, the §209.007 hearing right, the §209.009 bar on fine-only foreclosure, assessment vs. fine distinction, payment priority rules, and comparison to neighboring states.
Read Guide →Texas HOA law is primarily governed by the Texas Property Code, Chapters 201-215 , formally titled "Property Owners' Associations." This statute is notably homeowner-protective while allowing significant HOA flexibility, reflecting Texas's property rights philosophy.
Read the full Texas HOA laws guide →Texas does not impose a statewide dollar cap on HOA fines. Instead, Property Code §209.007 requires fines to be "reasonable" under all circumstances. This standard has proven effective in limiting board overreach while providing flexibility based on violation severity and…
Read the full Texas HOA fine-limits guide →Texas Property Code §209.006 and §209.007 establish the procedural framework for HOA enforcement and impose a "reasonableness" standard that protects homeowners from excessive fines. Understanding these sections gives you leverage when fighting violations.
Read the full Texas dispute guide →No statewide cap. Texas Property Code does not impose a dollar limit on HOA fines. However, §209.006 and §209.007 require fines to be "reasonable" under all circumstances, and many Texas courts have invalidated excessive fines under this standard. Your CC&Rs may contain specific fine amounts, which are enforceable if "reasonable."
HB 886 (effective September 1, 2023) added a two-notice requirement before an HOA can file a lien for unpaid ASSESSMENTS (regular dues). The association must send a first notice by first-class mail or email, then a second notice by certified mail at least 30 days later, and it cannot file the assessment lien until the 90th day after that second notice (Tex. Prop. Code §209.0094). It applies to assessment collection — not to fines for rule violations.
Under §209.007, yes — but the requirement is less rigorous than in other states. The HOA must provide notice of the violation and an opportunity to be heard before imposing a fine. The hearing does not require an independent committee (unlike Florida), but must be fair and allow you to present evidence. Many boards delegate hearings to committees anyway for legal protection.
HB 614 (effective January 1, 2024) added Tex. Prop. Code §209.0061. Any HOA that levies fines must adopt and distribute an enforcement policy listing (1) the general categories of restrictive covenants for which it may impose fines and (2) a schedule of the fine amounts for each category, along with information about your right to a hearing under §209.007. If your HOA fined you without having adopted and provided this policy, that is a strong procedural challenge.
Explore detailed guides for specific violation types, including your rights, sample response letters, and appeal strategies.
Every state has different HOA rules. Compare Texas's with these high-traffic state guides, or see all 50 in the Max HOA Fine in Every State master table.
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