HOA horror stories and how to survive one in DFW

DFW is HOA country. 65%+ of homes in Collin County are in an HOA. Here's what to know.

Average HOA fees in DFW:

• Older neighborhoods (1990s-2000s builds): $30-60/month
• New master-planned communities (Frisco, Prosper, Celina): $80-150/month
• Townhomes: $150-300/month (includes exterior maintenance)
• Condos: $200-500/month (includes more amenities)

What HOAs can legally do in Texas:

• Fine you for violations (Texas Property Code Chapter 209)
• Place a lien on your property for unpaid assessments
• Foreclose on your home for unpaid assessments (yes, really — TPC 209.009)
• Restrict exterior modifications, paint colors, landscaping
• Regulate parking, including banning street parking in some communities

What HOAs CANNOT do:

• Prohibit solar panels (Texas Property Code 202.010)
• Prohibit religious displays under 25 sq ft (TPC 202.018)
• Ban the Texas or US flag (TPC 202.011)
• Restrict drought-resistant landscaping (TPC 202.007)
• Prohibit security cameras on your property

Before buying in an HOA:

1. Request and READ the CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions)
2. Ask for the last 2 years of board meeting minutes
3. Check the reserve fund balance (underfunded = special assessments coming)
4. Ask current residents about enforcement style
5. Google the management company — bad management = bad HOA

Red flags:

• Reserve fund below 50% funded
• More than 10% of homeowners delinquent on dues
• Active lawsuits against or by the HOA
• CC&Rs that haven't been updated in 15+ years

Sources:

• Texas Property Code — Chapter 209 (Property Owners Associations)
• Texas Attorney General — HOA rights guide
• CAI (Community Associations Institute) — reserve study standards
• Dallas Morning News — HOA coverage

Drop your take below.