HOA legislation builds debate during session
During this legislative session, people across the state are asking lawmakers to limit the power of HOAs. In 2004, Evelyn Garcia bought a four bedroom, three bathroom house in Hutto with her husband. Unfortunately, her excitement didn't last long. Garcia thought joining her HOA was optional, and when she didn't pay the first year's dues, roughly $360, she learned attorneys were involved. Now, Garcia is stuck paying the attorneysâ fees, which total more than $12,000.
HOA legislation builds debate during session
View Alana Rocha News Report
Homeowners associations, or HOAs, can leave some homeowners feeling like renters. For others, the fees they charge can put residents at risk of losing their homes.
During this legislative session, people across the state are asking lawmakers to limit the power of HOAs.
In 2004, Evelyn Garcia bought a four bedroom, three bathroom house in Hutto with her husband.
"We were so excited," Evelyn Garcia said. "We had never been able to buy a home."
Unfortunately, her excitement didn't last long. Garcia thought joining her HOA was optional, and when she didn't pay the first year's dues, roughly $360, she learned attorneys were involved. Now, Garcia is stuck paying the attorneysâ fees, which total more than $12,000.
"We haven't done anything, painting or nothing, because we don't know if we're going to get to keep our home," Garcia said.
A statewide advocacy group said HOAs in general can put homeowners in a corner.
"There are a lot of adjectives that would describe these fees and some will astound you. We have to reign in this industry," Homeowners for Better Building spokesperson Janet Ahmad said.
Ahmad is spending this spring at the capitol to ensure lawmakers know what Texans, like Garcia, are dealing with when it comes to HOAs.
"One is a bill that would stop these attorney fees from being charged by the attorneys automatically. The HOAs would now be responsible for making that decision as to whether they want to pay the attorney to foreclose on homes," she said.
And when it's not HOA fees Garcia's fighting, it's her right to have a bluebonnet garden in the shape of Texas in her front yard.
"If you can't do what you want with your home, then you're no different than renting," Garcia said.
A feeling Garcia and other Texas homeowners are working with lawmakers to eliminate this session.
Garcia did eventually pay the $3,200 she owed the HOA, but she's still fighting the attorneysâ fees.
Homeowners for Better Building is asking the attorney general to investigate HOAs, the property management industry, as a whole, and its attorneys.
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