People rally for and against HOA reform
While one group said it's time for change, members of another group said they're happy with their homeowners' association and stand up for HOA rights. Coalition for HOA Reform held the first rally to encourage state lawmakers to stop various HOAs, or what they call "abusive mini-governments." "We need our rights back and that's all there is to it," said Spring resident Wesley Crouch.Reformers said they support the rights of Texas homeowners and not unregulated mini-governments. They said HOAs have broad powers with little oversight and infringe upon homeowner freedom. They also said HOAs cause a lot of burdens for homeowners, including tax hikes, fees, fines and threats of foreclosure.

People rally for and against HOA reform
Some happy with HOAs, others want changes

AUSTIN (KXAN) - While one group said it's time for change, members of another group said they're happy with their homeowners' association and stand up for HOA rights.

Doug Shupe Reports
           

Coalition for HOA Reform held the first rally to encourage state lawmakers to stop various HOAs, or what they call "abusive mini-governments."

"We need our rights back and that's all there is to it," said Spring resident Wesley Crouch.

Reformers said they support the rights of Texas homeowners and not unregulated mini-governments. They said HOAs have broad powers with little oversight and infringe upon homeowner freedom. They also said HOAs cause a lot of burdens for homeowners, including tax hikes, fees, fines and threats of foreclosure.

They point to examples around the state that include a soldier having his home foreclosed on while serving overseas, veterans not being allowed to fly the American flag, and some struggling families who has to face foreclosure even though they paid their mortgages.
                    

The reformers said HOAs should be about homeowners and not developers. They said boards are often controlled by developers and not homeowners, and that some HOAs hide information from homeowners and conduct meetings in secret.

The second rally later Tuesday afternoon was made up of members of the  Texas Community Association Advocates .  This group of people stood up for owners' and HOA rights.

They said they support reasonable legislation for community associations and are continuing to work with legislators.  Members said their primary goals are to protect, preserve and enhance property values.

They don't want homeowners to have to pay for those who don't pay or don't follow rules that everyone agreed to when they bought into an HOA. They said a vast majority of people who live in an HOA pay their dues on time and play by the rules.

They said they speak for the vast  majority of millions of Texans who live in and love their community associations. The group also said members love all the amenities that come with owning a home in an association and don't want to have a bus parked in a neighbors back yard, a car up on blocks, or unmowed lawns in their communities.

They also said cases of foreclosure are extremely rare representing less than one percent of delinquent owners. 

"Our goals are to purely make sure everyone in the community is treated eqaully, plays by the same rules and gets the same benefits," said Georgetown resident Gary Pyle.

Both groups said voices heard on the Capitol steps Tuesday are only the beginning.  Each side encourages supporters to get in touch with lawmakers before the vote bills which impact HOAs.

Sen. Royce West has filed a bill that would empower homeowners when negotiating with HOA boards and management companies and curb the worst abuses in the HOA industry.

Senator Jeff Wentworth has filed a bill that would prevent HOAs from not allowing homeowners to install solar panels.

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