Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions and Helpful Information
What is a Homeowners Association (HOA)?
A Homeowners Association, also known as a Property Owners Associations or Community Association, is a private, non-profit corporation formed during the development stage of a subdivision. The purpose of Homeowners Association is to maintain the subdivision and preserve property values. Any property purchased within a Homeowners Association is subject to mandatory membership in the Association. HOAs provide services that may not be available otherwise, such as streetlights, trash collection, and recreational amenities.
If I buy a home within an HOA, do I have to belong to the HOA?
Yes, HOAs are mandatory membership associations meaning all current and future property owners are required to be members.
Board of Directors
Can I contact my Board Members directly?
Board Members are volunteers and are not available to be contacted directly on a daily basis. However, all Board of Directors meetings are open to members and most meetings have a time for homeowners to speak directly to the Board. If the matter is time sensitive, we encourage you to contact your management team who can contact the Board Members immediately, if needed.
What role do the Board Members play for my community?
The powers and duties of the Board of Directors are defined in each Association’s governing documents. Generally speaking, the Board Members are responsible for making decisions on behalf of the Association. Board Members set the annual assessment rate, see to it that the deed restrictions are enforced, and enter into contracts for community services under the Association’s jurisdiction, i.e. landscape maintenance, trash collection, pool management, etc..
How do I become a Board Member for my community?
Each Association is required to have an annual meeting of members. For the our Association, an election is held at each annual meeting. Prior to the annual meeting, a Solicitation of Candidates will be sent to members advising the number of positions to be elected and instructions of how to register as a candidate. Some Associations mail this notice while others email the notice. To ensure you receive the solicitation, make sure you are registered to receive email notifications of meetings.
Board Meetings
Are board meetings open to all residents?
Board meetings are open to all residents though there will be limited speaking opportunities. If you have a specific matter you wish to discuss with the board, please contact your Community Manager at least seven days in advance so they can include it on the agenda. The board does have the right to go into executive session to discuss specific topics (personnel matters, litigation, contract negotiations, enforcement actions, confidential attorney communications, matters involving the invasion of owners’ privacy, and matter involving parties who have requested confidentiality and the board agreed to honor that request). Any decisions made during executive session will be orally summarized and placed in the meeting minutes.
When is the next meeting for my community?
You can contact your management team directly to get meeting information.
When and where are my board meetings held?
Please contact your management team directly for this information
Deed Restrictions
Why does my HOA have rules?
The Association’s rules and regulations are created to protect, preserve, and enhance the value of the overall community, as well as that of each individual owner.
What are CC&Rs?
The CC&Rs, Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions, are the rules for the Association. They describe the rights and responsibilities of the Association and of the homeowners. The CC&Rs may be amended over time and there may be supplemental rules and regulations adopted.
How do I obtain a copy of my governing documents?
The governing documents are available to view, download, and/or print on the community page of our website. All documents are in searchable PDF format. DOCUMENT REORGANIZATION IN PROGRESS TO AID IN SEARCHING
What is policy for parking on the street in my community?
In most non-gated communities, the streets are public and street parking is permitted. Violations would include parking in the wrong direction, parking too far from the curb, or impeding someone’s driveway. These violations would be enforced by local law enforcement rather than the HOA.
What amenities does my community have to offer & what are the hours?
The amenities, addresses, and any associated hours of operation can be found in the services section of the community page.
How do I get access to my community’s amenities (pool, park, tennis courts, etc.)?
Please note that you must be in good standing with the Association to gain amenity access, so check your balance on your dashboard before submitting your request.
How do I report issues I see in my community?
Contacting our office has never been easier! Simply log in to your account and click Service Request on your dashboard. Complete the simple form and your management team will be notified immediately.
What do I do if I receive a deed restriction letter?
Each letter notes a time frame in which the violation should be corrected. If you correct the violation within that time frame, no further action is required, and you do not need to contact our office. If you are unable to correct the violation within that time frame and need additional time, you should call or email us with a specific request. If you have any questions about the violation or what you can do to correct it, please call or email your management team.
What if I am unable to resolve the violation in the time allotted?
Give us a call or email and let us know what’s going on. Some requests can be approved immediately by the management team while other lengthier requests may require board approval.
Does my community allow individuals to have garage sales?
Please contact your management team directly for this information.
Does my community have a community garage sale?
Typically a "community-wide" garage sale day happens twice a year. Dates will be posted on TownSq
Are commercial vehicles allowed in my community?
What constitutes as a commercial vehicle? The rules of the community can be found in the Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) and in supplemental policies. All of the governing documents are available to you on the community page of our website. If your community prohibits commercial vehicles, the information will be contained in the documents and will include a description of what constitutes a commercial vehicle.
General Information
How do I update my mailing address?
Submit your address change request by email or mail to your management team. Make sure to include your name, association name, property address, and new mailing address.
Does my community have an onsite office?
To find out whether your community has an onsite office you can contact your management team. Your management team can be found on your dashboard. Simply login to your account and you can find direct contact information
How do I find out who is responsible for maintenance of certain items within my community (ie. Fence, sidewalks, empty lots, etc.)?
The rights and responsibilities are generally included within the CC&Rs which are available on your community page. But if you don’t feel like digging it up yourself, just contact your management team who is here to answer all of your questions.
How do I report a streetlight that is out or flashing?
CenterPoint Energy maintains the streetlights. Burnt bulbs and ballasts are generally repaired within 3 days while larger issues can take up to 7 days. Outages can be reported online or by calling 713-207-2222. You will need the number stenciled onto the pole or you can use the map feature on the website. If you report online, you can opt in to receive email notifications of their progress.
Does my association do repairs in the interior of my home?
No, the Association does not do repairs to the interior of your home.
How do I obtain a mailbox key?
The mailboxes are owned and maintained by the United States Postal Service (USPS). To obtain a key, visit your local USPS location and speak with an agent. If you don’t know where the nearest location is, you can find out here.
Who is my water company?
Your water company and contact information can be found in the services section of the community page.
Who is my trash company?
The trash company and contact information can be found in the services section of the community page.