Key 2025 Texas HOA Law Changes Every Board Should Know

Here’s a clear breakdown of the most impactful changes and what your association should do next.

1. Management Certificates & Condominium Transparency

What changed:

• Condominium associations now share the same requirements long applied to HOAs.
• Management certificates must include updated contact info, website links, and fee schedules.
• Certificates must be filed with the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) within 7 days of recording.
• Resale certificates are capped at $375.

Why it matters: Missing or late filings may prevent associations from recovering attorney’s fees during assessment collections.

Action item: Review your management certificate and update it promptly. Make sure it’s filed with TREC on time.

2. Fencing & Security Device Restrictions

What changed:

• Associations can now restrict fences in front yards, sidewalks, drainage easements, or areas that impact safety/visibility—if these rules are in the governing documents.
• Pre-existing fences (before Sept. 1, 2025) are grandfathered.
• Exceptions apply for owners with law enforcement protection needs.

Action item: Update security/fencing policies to clarify where fences are permitted and ensure restrictions are enforceable.

3. Architectural Control Committees (ACC/ARC)

What changed:

• Associations with 40+ lots must formally solicit candidates at least 10 days in advance before appointing ACC members.
• Notices must be mailed, posted, or emailed to registered members.
• If no volunteers step forward, the board (and in some cases board member spouses or cohabitants) may fill the role.

Action item: Review your bylaws, ACC charters, and appeals policies to align with new requirements.

4. Virtual Meetings & Electronic Voting

What changed:

• HOAs and condos may now hold virtual member meetings.
• Electronic voting is permitted alongside proxy and absentee ballot options, provided safeguards are in place.

Why it matters: This creates faster, more transparent elections and reduces paper-heavy processes.

Action item: Amend bylaws or election policies to officially recognize virtual meetings and e-voting.

5. Water Conservation & Lawn Maintenance

What changed:

• HOAs may not fine homeowners for brown or discolored grass during watering restrictions.
• Protection extends up to 60 days after restrictions are lifted.

Action item: Update your fining policy to include this caveat and avoid improper enforcement.

6. Political Meetings in Common Areas

What changed:

• Owners may invite qualified candidates or public officials to speak in community common areas.
• HOAs can still enforce reasonable controls like reservations, deposits, occupancy limits, and meeting hours.
• Seasonal-use areas (like pools) may be exempt.

Action item: Review your common area usage policy and ensure it explicitly covers political events.

7. Solar Roof Tiles

What changed:

• Solar protections now officially include solar roof tiles, which associations cannot prohibit.

Action item: Update your solar energy policy to ensure compliance with this expanded definition.

Preparing for Compliance

These laws go into effect September 1, 2025. While the updates are manageable, they do require careful review of your policies and documents. Associations should prioritize:

• Updating management and resale certificates
• Reviewing fencing and ACC procedures
• Amending bylaws and election policies
• Adjusting fining and common area use policies

Taking these steps now will ensure compliance, minimize disputes, and keep your community running smoothly under Texas’ latest HOA laws.