Texas lawmakers concluded the 89th Regular Legislative Session on June 2, 2025, enacting several laws that will affect homeowners associations (HOAs), condominium associations, and housing cooperatives across the state. These changes, set to take effect on September 1, 2025, address various aspects of community living, including property maintenance, political expression, meeting procedures, and more.

New Laws Taking Effect

SB 711: Clarifying HOA and Condo Association Operations

This law amends the Texas Property Code to define "management company" as an entity providing administrative or operational services for a condominium association. SB 711 requires associations with 60 or more units, or those employing a management company, to make their governing documents available online to members. This aims to enhance transparency and accessibility for residents.

HB 517: Restrictions on Fines During Watering Limitations

HB 517 prohibits property owners' associations from imposing fines on homeowners for discolored or brown vegetation during periods of residential watering restrictions mandated by local authorities. This measure recognizes the challenges homeowners face in maintaining lawns during drought conditions and aims to prevent penalization under such circumstances.

HB 621: Protecting Political Expression in Common Areas

This legislation ensures that HOAs cannot restrict homeowners or residents from inviting governmental officials or political candidates to speak in common areas of the community. HB 621 reinforces residents' rights to political assembly and expression within their neighborhoods.

SB 2629: Modernizing Meeting and Voting Procedures

SB 2629 updates the Texas Property Code to allow condominium and property owners' associations to conduct meetings and voting through electronic or telephonic means. This modernization facilitates greater participation and flexibility for association members.

HB 431: Inclusion of Solar Roof Tiles as Protected Devices

HB 431 amends the Property Code to explicitly include solar roof tiles under the definition of "solar energy devices." This clarification prevents HOAs from prohibiting the installation of solar roof tiles, promoting the use of renewable energy sources in residential areas.

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Other Laws to Watch

HB 2025: Streamlining Plat Filing Requirements

This law revises the requirements for filing plats, replats, or amended plats of subdivisions and condominiums. HB 2025 mandates the inclusion of an original tax certificate from each taxing unit with jurisdiction over the property, indicating no delinquent taxes are owed. This change aims to simplify the filing process for developers and property owners.

SB 15: Limiting Municipal Zoning Restrictions

SB 15 restricts municipalities with populations over 150,000, located in counties exceeding 300,000 residents, from enforcing minimum lot size requirements for single-family housing developments on tracts of at least five acres that have not yet been platted. This measure seeks to promote higher-density, more affordable housing developments.

SB 785: Regulating HUD-Code Manufactured Housing

This legislation mandates that municipalities allow the installation of new HUD-code manufactured homes in at least one residential zoning classification or district within their jurisdiction. The goal of SB 785 is to reduce regulatory barriers and promote housing affordability by ensuring municipalities cannot arbitrarily exclude these homes through restrictive zoning or permitting practices.

Bills That Did Not Pass

Several proposed bills that would have affected HOA governance and residents' rights did not advance during the session:

• HB 294, HB 2013, SB 141: These bills aimed to override HOA restrictions on keeping backyard chickens. They faced opposition due to concerns about noise, odor, and potential impacts on property values.

• SB 1935: Proposed capping the amount HOAs could assess homeowners, which raised concerns about limiting associations' ability to fund necessary services.

• HB 2504: Sought to restrict the issuance of resale certificates by HOAs, potentially complicating real estate transactions.

• SB 2586, HB 4447: These bills would have required HOAs to file additional information with the Texas Real Estate Commission, increasing administrative burdens.

• HB 1087, SB 704: Proposed mandatory elections to fill HOA board vacancies, which could have led to increased costs and logistical challenges.

• HB 1812: Addressed the maintenance responsibilities of common areas, raising debates over the allocation of duties between HOAs and homeowners.

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Resident Involvement and Next Steps

Throughout the legislative session, residents and community leaders actively engaged with lawmakers, providing testimony and feedback on proposed legislation. As the new laws take effect on September 1, 2025, homeowners are encouraged to:

• Review updates to their HOA or condominium association's governing documents.
• Attend association meetings to stay informed about changes affecting their community.
• Reach out to their association's board or management company with questions or concerns.

Staying informed and involved will help residents navigate the evolving landscape of community living in Texas.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.