Thinking about buying a home in The Colony and seeing “HOA” in the listing? You are not alone. Many neighborhoods here are governed by homeowners associations that set community standards and manage shared spaces. When you understand the rules and the documents behind them, you can buy with confidence and avoid surprises after closing. This guide breaks down what HOAs control, what to review before you commit, and practical steps tailored to The Colony. Let’s dive in.
HOA basics in The Colony
An HOA is a private membership organization that enforces recorded covenants, conditions and restrictions and manages common areas. In The Colony, many subdivisions and master-planned communities use HOAs, so it is smart to assume there may be one unless the listing clearly states otherwise.
Texas law gives HOAs certain powers and sets homeowner protections. The City of The Colony enforces public codes like zoning and permitting, while HOA covenants are enforced privately by the association. For public rules and city contacts, use the City of The Colony’s official site for code and permitting information. For plain-English background on how HOAs work, the Community Associations Institute offers helpful homeowner guides.
The key takeaway: HOA rules are binding and tied to the property’s title. Always verify the details in the governing documents, not in casual conversations or listing notes.
Rules that impact daily life
HOA rules can shape day-to-day living. Examples you will often see include:
- Architectural and exterior appearance: paint colors, roofing materials, additions, fences, landscaping, tree removal, and exterior lighting. Most changes require prior approval through an architectural review process.
- Landscaping and lawn care: yard maintenance standards, weed control, and irrigation expectations. Some communities promote water-wise landscaping.
- Parking and vehicles: street parking limits, rules for RVs, boats, trailers, inoperable vehicles, and commercial vehicles.
- Pets and animals: limits on number, size, and leash requirements, plus waste cleanup rules.
- Rentals and short-term rentals: some HOAs limit or prohibit short-term rentals and may set minimum lease terms or caps on total leased units.
- Signs and flags: rules on political, contractor, and for-sale signs, alongside flag displays that must align with applicable law.
- Amenities and common areas: access and guest policies for pools, pocket parks, fitness centers, or clubhouses.
- Trash and storage: pickup day rules, placement and screening of containers, and visible storage restrictions. Some documents also address satellite dishes or solar equipment.
If you value customization, rental income, or specific vehicle storage, confirm what is allowed before you buy.
Documents to request and review
In Texas, sellers typically provide an HOA resale or disclosure packet. Ask for everything you need early in your option period so you have time to review and, if needed, consult a Texas real estate attorney.
Here is what to request:
- Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions
- Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws
- Current Rules and Regulations and Architectural or Design Guidelines
- Resale or disclosure packet with assessments, budgets, insurance, violations, and copies of governing documents
- Meeting minutes for the past 12 to 24 months, current budget, recent financial statements, and any reserve study
- Insurance policy declarations for the association
- Schedule of fines and fees and a list of current assessments or pending litigation
What to look for:
- Use and appearance rules that affect your plans, like exterior changes, parking, pets, signs, and storage
- Rental and short-term rental policies, including minimum lease terms or caps
- Architectural approval steps and timelines, plus fees
- Assessment powers, increase procedures, and voting requirements for special assessments
- Enforcement and fines, including notice and appeal rights
- Lien and foreclosure language tied to unpaid assessments
- Maintenance responsibilities for roofs, fences, driveways, sidewalks, and common areas
- Governance details like voting rights, board elections, quorum, and how amendments are approved
Fees, assessments, and enforcement
Most HOAs collect regular dues to fund operations and reserves. There may be special assessments for capital projects. Review recent budgets, reserves, and minutes for signs of upcoming expenses or deferred maintenance.
Associations typically have enforcement tools. Fines usually follow a written schedule, with notice and an opportunity to cure. Under recorded documents and Texas law, many HOAs can record liens for unpaid assessments and, in some cases, foreclose. For consumer-focused guidance on HOA topics in Texas, visit TREC’s resources and consult a Texas real estate attorney for legal questions.
Two practical checks:
- Look for a history of special assessments or sudden dues increases and ask why they were needed.
- Confirm delinquency rates, insurance status, and whether there is any active litigation.
A step-by-step due-diligence plan
Use this simple plan during your option period:
- Collect the full document set. Ask for the CC&Rs, Bylaws, Articles, Rules, Architectural Guidelines, resale packet, minutes, budget, financials, and insurance declarations.
- Scan for deal breakers. Focus on rental limits, parking and vehicle storage, exterior modification rules, pet policies, and sign rules.
- Check the money. Review dues, special assessments, reserve funding, delinquency levels, and any capital projects on the horizon.
- Verify maintenance. Clarify what the HOA maintains versus what you must handle. This impacts your upkeep costs and insurance needs.
- Confirm enforcement. Read the fine schedule, notice and appeal process, and lien language.
- Ask targeted questions. Use the seller or HOA to confirm approval timelines, planned assessments, insurance status, and litigation.
- Cross-check records. Use the Denton Central Appraisal District for property records and tax info and coordinate with your title company for recorded covenants and lien verification.
Insurance and lending basics
Insurance varies by property type and the HOA’s policy. Some associations insure common areas only. Condominiums may insure building exteriors, while owners insure interiors and personal property. Clarify what the master policy covers so you can size your personal policy appropriately.
If you are buying a condo or project-type home, your lender may require project-level information. Single-family homes in an HOA usually finance like other single-family properties, though lenders may ask the HOA to confirm key details.
After you close
Once you close, register with the HOA, set up dues payments, and learn how to submit architectural requests before starting any exterior work. If community governance matters to you, consider attending meetings and staying engaged through official communications.
Local resources for The Colony buyers
- City of The Colony for city code, building permits, and public-right-of-way issues: visit the official city site
- Denton Central Appraisal District for property lookups and tax details: use the DCAD search
- Community Associations Institute for homeowner education: explore CAI guides
- Texas Real Estate Commission for consumer information: see TREC resources
Ready to buy in The Colony?
You deserve a smooth, well-informed purchase with no HOA surprises. With a clear process and calm guidance, you can focus on the home that fits your life while staying compliant and confident. If you want a step-by-step plan to request, review, and negotiate HOA items during your option period, connect with Leigh Calvert for high-touch buyer representation tailored to North Texas.
FAQs
Are HOAs common in The Colony, Texas?
- Many neighborhoods in The Colony use HOAs, so assume an HOA may apply unless the listing specifies there is no HOA.
Do HOA rules override The Colony’s city code?
- No. City and state laws take precedence, but HOAs can enforce stricter private covenants on matters not regulated by the city.
Can a Texas HOA raise dues or add special assessments?
- Yes, within the procedures set by the governing documents and applicable Texas law, and some major assessments may require owner votes.
Can an HOA fine me or foreclose for nonpayment?
- Associations generally can fine for violations and may have lien and foreclosure rights for unpaid assessments, subject to their documents and Texas law.
What should I review first in the HOA packet?
- Start with CC&Rs, Rules, and Architectural Guidelines, then review budgets, reserves, minutes, and the fine schedule for red flags.
How do I confirm if rentals or short-term rentals are allowed?
- Check the CC&Rs and Rules for leasing caps or minimum terms and ask the HOA or seller to verify any recent amendments.
Who maintains roofs, fences, and sidewalks in an HOA?
- It depends on the governing documents. Confirm maintenance responsibilities so you can plan for repairs and insurance.
