City Lifestyle

Want to start a publication?

Learn More
A Team Meeting at Alamo Management Group

Featured Article

Ins & Outs of HOA Living 

Living in an HOA Comes with Plenty of Questions and AMG Answers Them

Article by Megan De La Torre

Photography by Graham Burket/Megan De La Torre

Originally published in Boerne Lifestyle

We know that living in a HOA might be seen as a nightmare, but AMG works with a goal to change that negative stigma. We want to share some of our most-asked questions and be a resource whenever you need it. https://www.alamomanagementgroup.com/

What is an HOA?

You are the HOA! It’s easy to think that your management company is your HOA, but it is you and your neighbors. The management company and your community manager work at the direction of your Board. Your management company facilitates and manages the operations that are required to keep your neighborhood beautiful and safe. This includes hiring vendors like landscapers and pool management companies, but it also includes utilities insurance and any other contractors your association might need. Your management company also works to understand and enforce your association's governing documents. 

What are the requirements and restrictions of rentals in an HOA?

Each HOA will have different requirements and restrictions regarding rentals. Texas Property Code limits the requirements to providing the association with contact information, including the name, mailing address, phone number, and e-mail address of each person who will reside at a property in the subdivision under a lease, and the commencement date and term of the lease. A common restriction for an HOA is to restrict short-term rentals to 30 days or more. This will vary largely depending on your association's governing documents.

Why do I have to send requests to make changes to my home?

Sending in an architectural request for changes to your home is standard practice for most HOAs. This will be outlined in your association's governing documents and your management company will have more details on what is allowed in your association. Your management company works with your ACC committee to review and approve requests sent in by homeowners. These requests are important because not only is keeping the continuity of your community important, but your home might have set-back lines designated by the city on which you cannot build. Your manager will assist you in making sure your project meets those guidelines as well. 

Why do I have to pay assessments for my HOA? Where does the money go?

When you buy a home in an HOA you are provided documents that explain your dues for your association along with your governing documents. These dues are calculated by your Board and community manager when making the community's yearly budget, to make sure your association can fully sustain itself. Your dues cover insurance, vendors, contractors, utilities, repairs, common area maintenance, legal and project improvements.

Your dues or maintenance fees cover insurance, vendors, contractors, utilities, repairs, common area maintenance, legal and project improvements. They are necessary so that the HOA can fully sustain itself.

Businesses featured in this article