House Bill No. 5225 aims to enhance the governance and operational standards of property owners' associations in Texas. Key amendments include the requirement for associations to adopt an enforcement policy for levying fines, which must now include a restriction on imposing unreasonable fines. Additionally, the bill introduces a new section that limits the ability of associations to increase assessments unreasonably from one year to the next, unless approved by a majority vote of the property owners. It also mandates that associations establish policies regarding assessments for maintenance and improvements of common areas, as well as fees for subdivision amenities.

Furthermore, the bill prohibits associations from filing assessment liens for debts that consist solely of minor fines and restricts the adoption of provisions that unreasonably limit property owners' rights to make minor aesthetic improvements or use common areas. It also clarifies that property owners do not need approval from the association to rent their residences as short-term rentals, provided the rental period is less than 30 consecutive days. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Property Code 209.0061, Property Code 209.0094, Property Code 209.016 (Property Code 209)