Haltom City, TX HOA Rules: Dispute Resolution (2026)

Texas Property Code Section 209.007 establishes minimum due process for HOA enforcement against owners in Haltom City subdivisions. Before imposing a fine, suspending common area privileges, or filing suit, the HOA must send a written notice describing the alleged violation, stating the amount of any proposed fine, giving the owner a reasonable period (typically 30 days) to cure, and informing the owner of the right to a hearing before the board. The owner may request a hearing in writing within 30 days of the notice. At the hearing, the board must provide the owner an opportunity to present evidence and witnesses. The hearing can be informal but must be fair. Section 209.006 sets minimum content for the notice. For disputes not resolved by hearing, the declaration may require alternative dispute resolution. Texas Property Code Section 209.005 requires most HOAs to adopt an ADR policy, typically pre-suit mediation. The Texas Alternative Dispute Resolution Act (Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 154) provides the framework for mediation and arbitration. Small claims (up to 20,000 dollars) can be filed in Texas Justice Court without an attorney. Larger disputes go to District Court. Section 209.008 allows prevailing parties (either owner or HOA) in certain Chapter 209 actions to recover court costs and reasonable attorney fees. The Texas Residential Property Owners Protection Act was significantly expanded in 2021 and 2023 to include notice requirements for fee increases, transparency in elections, and restrictions on political sign rules. Owners with complaints against HOA boards can also contact the Texas Attorney General Consumer Protection Division for guidance, though the AG does not directly resolve individual HOA disputes.