Latest & Greatest – Texas Homeowners Association Law: The Essential Guide for Texas Homeowners Associations and Homeowners

By Gregory S. Cagle

Published by Tow Harbors Press

KFT 1314 .H66 C34 2017

Sometimes it seems that the laws affecting Texas homeowners and the associations that govern them are as fluid as the Guadalupe River after a rainstorm. Have no fear, though. Author Gregory S. Cagle has waded into these murky waters and written a concise guide to assist in the understanding of these laws. Now in its third edition, Texas Homeowners Association Law is a reference manual that sets out the rights, duties, and responsibilities borne by both the homeowners associations and the homeowners themselves. He begins his guide with a discussion of master-planned communities and their evolution and the concept of the condominium development. He then delves into the heart of the matter by examining the formation and administration of Texas homeowners associations. He addresses such topics as:

  • The filling of vacancies on the Board of Directors, the duty of care required of such Board, and the procedures governing its meetings;
  • The meetings of the members of the homeowners association;
  • The duties and operation of homeowners associations;
  • The levying and collecting of assessments;
  • The amendment of governing documents; and
  • The enforcement of any restrictive covenants and the laws that limit such enforcement.

To assist members of these associations further, the author has provided sample forms, notices, and letters that can be used during the regular course of business. In the appendix readers can find sample forms for meeting minutes and notices, absentee ballots, management and resale certificates, and much more. There is also a handy glossary defining commonly-used terms and phrases.

Although Texas Homeowners Association Law is written with homeowners associations in mind, this book can also be an essential guide for homeowners. It explains what homeowners associations in Texas can and cannot do and describes the rights and duties of the homeowners.

Fighting Hate Crimes and Bias in Texas - a free CLE event

Register for this free CLE opportunity today at www.harriscountylawlibrary.org/tendollars

The fight against violence and bigotry is of perennial concern in American Jurisprudence. Ten Dollars to Hate by Patricia Bernstein brings the story of one such fight from the 1920s into our modern consciousness. The book tells the story of Texas prosecutor Dan Moody, whose efforts against the Ku Klux Klan led to the nation's first successful prosecution of the well-connected group for their violent assaults and criminal acts. Moody's lead was followed around the country, loosening the supremacist group's grip on American politics.

Ms. Bernstein will present her research alongside a panel of attorneys who fight hate and bias everyday at a free CLE event on September 8. The event is cosponsored by the Offices of Vince Ryan, Harris County Attorney, and Kim Ogg, Harris County District Attorney, and is accredited for both CLE (3.0 hours in Texas; 0.5 hour ethics) and TCOLE credit. Register today at www.harriscountylawlibrary.org/tendollars.

Houston Bar Association & Houston Volunteer Lawyers Help the Community

June marked the end of the Houston Bar Association's calendar of activities. Looking back, it's clear to see that the HBA was quite active indeed, providing valuable service to HBA members, the profession, and the public. 

Houston Volunteer Lawyers provided in-person, one-on-one legal advice to more than 6,100 applicants at no expense to those served. Nearly 1,200 cases were referred to pro bono attorneys for long-term representation. Over 2,300 of those helped were U.S. veterans or spouses of deceased veterans.

HVL also assisted 6,561 pro se litigants with family law matters at the courthouse information both on the 17th floor of the Civil Courthouse, and expanded the pro se clinic to the Harris County Law Library where attorneys now meet with self-represented litigants five days a week from 9:00 am - 12:00 noon on a first come-first served basis. 

More than 700 LegalLine volunteers answered 5,386 calls from residents of Harris County, and the Houston Lawyer Referral service made over 26,000 referrals to attorneys and other agencies. 

These are just a few of HBA's achievements over the last twelve months. Additional successes of the previous year are detailed in the May/June 2017 issue of the Houston Lawyer magazine. See page six for President Neil Kelly's message where he reflects on the HBA's service to its members, its initiatives in educating the public about the law, and its efforts to help the residents of Harris County.