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Dallas County, TX HOA Rules: CC&R Enforcement (2026)

Light Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Statute
TX Property Code Ch. 209 Residential POA
Notice
Certified-mail notice and cure (Sec. 209.006)
Hearing Right
Homeowner board hearing (Sec. 209.007)
Foreclosure
Requires court approval (Sec. 209.0092)
Payment Priority
Assessments before fines statutory

Summary

Texas HOAs must follow strict notice, hearing, and fine procedures before enforcing covenants, with mandatory cure periods for most violations.

City-specific rules exist: Mesquite, Dallas, Richardson, and Irving have their own cc&r enforcement rules that differ from Dallas County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

Sec. 202.004. ENFORCEMENT OF RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS. (a) An exercise of discretionary authority by a property owners' association or other representative designated by an owner of real property concerning a restrictive covenant is presumed reasonable unless the court determines by a preponderance of the evidence that the exercise of discretionary authority was arbitrary, capricious, or discriminatory ... (c) A court may assess civil damages for the violation of a restrictive covenant in an amount not to exceed $200 for each day of the violation.

Source: TX Property Code Chapter 202View official code

Full Breakdown

HOA covenant enforcement in Dallas County is governed by the Texas Residential Property Owners Protection Act (Property Code Chapter 209). Before an HOA may fine a homeowner, suspend privileges, or file suit for a covenant violation, it must provide written notice by certified mail describing the violation, the amount of any proposed fine, and a reasonable cure period (typically at least 30 days) under Sec. 209.006. Homeowners have the right to request a hearing before the board under Sec. 209.007. Nonjudicial foreclosure for assessment liens requires separate notice under Sec. 209.0091 and, in most cases, court approval under Sec. 209.0092. HOAs must maintain open books and records accessible to owners (Sec. 209.005). Priority-of-payment rules require payments be applied to assessments before fines. Selective or discriminatory enforcement can be challenged as a breach of covenants. For condominiums, TX Property Code Ch. 82 provides parallel procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my Dallas County HOA fine me without warning?
No. Under TX Property Code Sec. 209.006, the HOA must send certified-mail notice describing the violation and provide a reasonable cure period, usually at least 30 days, before imposing fines or suspending privileges.
Can an HOA foreclose on my home for unpaid dues in Texas?
HOAs may place an assessment lien, but foreclosing on that lien generally requires court approval under Sec. 209.0092. The association must also follow strict notice requirements before initiating foreclosure.
What if the HOA enforces rules against me but not my neighbors?
Selective or inconsistent enforcement can be challenged as a breach of the covenants or as a waiver. You can raise this defense at a board hearing or in court and may seek attorney's fees if you prevail under Ch. 209.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Dallas County

All Dallas County rules

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