Texas HOA laws update is underway as the state enters 2025. Legislators have added and amended key bills that impact homeowners associations and condominium communities. Residents and boards face new rules on everything from political gatherings to solar tiles and voting options.
Texas HOA Laws Update: What’s New in 2025?
Texas legislators introduce or amend laws every legislative cycle. In 2025, a handful of bills clear both chambers and get signed into law.
These statutes modify the Texas Property Code and influence operations of homeowners associations (HOAs) and condominium associations (COAs). They focus on transparency, sustainability, homeowner rights, and modern communication tools. Most of the bills become effective on September 1, 2025.
Here are the bills that make up the Texas HOA laws update for 2025.
House Bill 431: Solar Roof Tiles
One of the new Texas HOA laws in 2025 has to do with solar energy. House Bill 431 updates Section 202.010(a)(2) to include solar roof tiles in the legal definition of solar energy devices.
This means HOAs cannot prohibit the installation of solar roof tiles just as they cannot prohibit conventional solar panels. The bill enhances renewable energy use and takes effect immediately.
House Bill 517: Brown Grass and Vegetation
House Bill 517 adds Section 202.008. It prevents HOAs from imposing fines on owners who fail to maintain green lawns during periods of local watering restrictions. This protection extends for 60 days after the restriction ends.
This gives homeowners time for their lawns to recover without penalty. Effective September 1, 2025.
House Bill 621: Events With Political Candidates in Common Areas
House Bill 621 adds Section 202.013 to the Texas Property Code. It forbids HOAs and condos from banning residents from inviting qualified political candidates or government officials to speak in common areas. Associations may enforce rules like occupancy limits, reservation requirements, fees, deposit rules, and designated hours.
The rule does not apply to seasonal use areas or spaces only used for internal meetings. This law takes effect on September 1, 2025.
Senate Bill 1588: Expanded Authority of Associations
Senate Bill 1588 revises the powers and duties of property owners’ associations under Chapters 202 and 209. It prohibits associations from collecting regular dues unless it has properly filed the governing documents that authorize them.
This bill also protects the rights of homeowners to display religious items on their property unless those items threaten health, safety, violate other laws, or are offensive for non‑religious content.
Additionally, it bars associations from restricting swimming pool enclosures that meet safety standards. It also stops associations from prohibiting perimeter fences or security cameras on private property.
Finally, the bill also limits credit reporting of delinquencies, sets priorities for applying payments, and requires hearings and packet disclosures before enforcement actions.
Senate Bill 711: ARCs, Security Fencing, and COA Requirements
Senate Bill 711 is one of the new HOA laws in Texas. It covers architectural reviews, restrictions on security fences, and new requirements for condo associations.
Architectural Reviews
Senate Bill 711 amends the HOA architectural review process under Section 209.00506 and Section 209.00507. Associations with more than 40 lots must now solicit candidates for the architectural review committee through a formal process similar to board elections.
At least 10 days’ notice is required for an open vacancy. The committee must initially comprise volunteers who are responsive. Vacancies may be filled later, even by people otherwise disqualified, including directors or family members of directors.
This takes effect September 1, 2025.
Restrictions on Security Fences
SB 711 also modifies Section 202.023. It clarifies what security fencing HOAs may restrict. Associations can prohibit fencing that blocks a sidewalk, drainage easement, or licensed public use area. A driveway gate must be set back at least 10 feet if it connects to a laned roadway.
Fencing in front of the front-most building line may be banned unless it existed before September 1, 2025, or if the homeowner qualifies for an exempt address or can document a security need.
For Condo Associations
Under SB 711, Chapter 82 gets updates applicable to condominium associations with at least 60 units or those managed by a management company.
- Website. If a condominium association has 60 or more units or uses a management company, it must host a website accessible to owners. The site must display key governing documents and rules so all members can review them online.
- Management Certificates. Management certificates must now include expanded contact information, website address where documents reside, and a description of any transfer fees the association charges.
- TREC Filing Requirement. Condo associations must file their management certificate with the Texas Real Estate Commission within seven days after recording it with the county. If not filed promptly, associations can’t collect attorney’s fees or interest on unpaid assessments for that period.
- Resale Certificate Fee. The bill limits the fee that a condo association may charge for a resale certificate to $375. This also caps update fees to $75.
Senate Bill 2629: Voting Methods
Previously, HOAs had to allow votes by proxy or absentee ballot. SB 2629 is one of the Texas HOA laws updates that adds electronic voting as a third option. Associations must provide owners with at least one voting method: electronic ballot, absentee ballot, or proxy.
This provides associations with more flexibility and serves members who can’t attend in person. It is effective September 1, 2025.
Staying in the Loop of Texas HOA Laws Update
Board members have a responsibility to comply with state and local laws. To do this, they must stay up-to-date with legislative changes that affect community associations.
Unfortunately, not all association boards have the legal background or capacity to ensure compliance. Hiring an HOA management company can help.
An HOA management company usually offers legal assistance to inexperienced boards. This includes providing legal advice, interpreting governing documents and state regulations, and ensuring compliance with reports or filing requirements.
A Fruitful Year
A new year brings a lengthy update to Texas HOA laws. Several bills have been introduced and are set to take effect. Compliance with these changes is necessary to avoid legal trouble.
If your association board is looking for an HOA management company that can help, start with your search with HOA Explore!
