HOA and Rental Property Management News and Updates

Living in a homeowners association (HOA) community provides structure, consistency, shared amenities , maintained common areas, all designed to enhance property values and a harmonious living environment. But with those benefits comes the responsibility of following HOA guidelines. Violations, even unintentional ones, can result in warnings, fines, or frustration. Here’s a breakdown of the most common HOA violations and practical tips to avoid them : 1. Exterior Modifications Without Approval The Violation: Changing your home’s exterior like painting, adding a fence, or installing a satellite dish without prior HOA approval. Why it's a problem: HOAs aim for a cohesive look and feel within the community. Unapproved changes can disrupt this harmony and negatively impact the overall design. How to Avoid It: Always submit an architectural request form before making any exterior changes. The HOA reviews these to maintain neighborhood uniformity and property values. 2. Trash Can Violations The Violation: Leaving trash or recycling bins in view of the street or curb for extended periods. Why it's a problem: This can attract pests, create unpleasant odors, and detract from the community's cleanliness and appearance. How to Avoid It: Know your pickup schedule and bring bins out only during the allowed timeframe. Store them in designated, out-of-sight areas promptly after pickup. 3. Unkempt Lawns or Landscaping The Violation: Overgrown grass, dead plants, and neglected flower beds are among the most visible HOA issues. Why it's a problem: Neglected landscaping can quickly make a neighborhood look unkempt, affect property values, and even create fire or safety hazards. It impacts the entire community's aesthetic and property values. How to Avoid It: Maintain your lawn regularly. Mow, weed, and trim hedges as needed to keep your yard looking clean and within community standards. 4. Improper Parking The Violation: Parking on grass, in fire lanes, or in visitor spaces for extended periods. Why it's a problem: These rules are often in place for aesthetic reasons, to ensure adequate parking for all residents, and to prevent eyesores or safety hazards. How to Avoid It: Review the HOA parking rules and use only assigned or approved spaces. Remind guests to do the same during visits. 5. Pet-Related Complaints The Violation: Allowing pets to roam off-leash, excessive barking, or not cleaning up after them. How to Avoid It: Keep pets leashed, respect noise levels, and always carry waste bags when walking your dog. Pet-related fines are avoidable with a little courtesy. 6. Exterior Clutter and Unapproved Decorations The Violation: Leaving personal items—like toys, grills, or furniture visible on lawns, driveways, or balconies for extended periods.Leaving holiday decorations up past the allowed timeframe . Why it's a problem: HOAs often set specific windows for decorating and removing decorations to maintain a tidy appearance year-round. How to Avoid It: Store personal items neatly and remove seasonal decorations within the time limits outlined in the HOA rules. Final Tips Read Your HOA Documents: Familiarity with the CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions) can save you time, money, and hassle. Ask Before Acting: When in doubt, contact your HOA or property manager before making changes. Be a Good Neighbor: Many violations are simply issues of courtesy and communication. Develop a routine for lawn care, trash disposal, and general upkeep. Don't let things slide, as minor issues can quickly escalate into violations. By taking these proactive steps, Houston homeowners can minimize the risk of HOA violations, enjoy their community, and maintain a harmonious living experience. Remember, your HOA's rules are designed to protect property values and the quality of life for everyone in the neighborhood, and understanding them is key to being a responsible and compliant homeowner.

As temperatures rise in Houston, it’s important to take extra steps to stay safe and comfortable while spending time outdoors. Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors, but it’s also a time to take precautions. A few small changes to your daily routine can make a big difference in your health and comfort. Whether you're walking your dog, heading to work, or enjoying a day outside, here are some easy ways to protect yourself from heat-related issues: Stay Hydrated Drink Water Regularly: Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink water. Carry a reusable water bottle and sip throughout the day, especially when outdoors. Hydrate Before Activity: Drink a glass of water 30 minutes before heading outside or engaging in physical activity. Consume Electrolytes: When sweating heavily, you lose electrolytes like sodium and potassium. Replenish them with low-sugar sports drinks or coconut water. Eat Hydrating Foods: Incorporate fruits and vegetables with high water content, such as watermelon, cucumbers, berries, and citrus fruits into your diet. Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine: These can contribute to dehydration. Opt for water or electrolyte-rich beverages instead. Set Reminders: Use phone alarms or hydration apps to prompt regular water breaks during busy days. Check out a few free watertracking apps HERE . Watch out for these early Signs of Dehydration: Thirst or a dry mouth Dark-colored urine Headache or dizziness Fatigue Decreased urine output Muscle cramps Plan Outdoor Activities Wisely : Schedule strenuous activities like yard work, exercise, or errands during cooler parts of the day, like early morning or late evening. Take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas. Dress Appropriately : Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing made of breathable fabrics like cotton. Hats with wide brims can protect your face, ears, and neck from direct sunlight. Use Sunscreen : Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to all exposed skin, reapplying every two hours, especially if you're sweating or swimming. Know the Signs of Heat Exhaustion If you feel dizzy, weak, or overly fatigued, move to a cooler place, hydrate, and rest. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion or even heatstroke. Be aware of symptoms like excessive sweating, nausea, rapid heartbeat, or confusion. If someone shows signs of heatstroke such as no sweating despite the heat or loss of consciousness, seek medical help if needed. Be prepared for emergencies Have a plan in place in case of power outages or other heat-related emergencies. Stay safe and make the most of your summer by staying hydrated and following these simple tips. Keep cool, stay refreshed, and enjoy a fun, healthy season to the fullest! Stay prepared—click here to see the Red Cross checklist for extreme heat safety HERE.

With holidays and celebrations approaching, it's important for all tenants and homeowners to be aware of firework laws in the City of Houston to ensure safety and avoid penalties. If you're planning to celebrate with fireworks, it's important to understand the local laws to stay safe and avoid fines. Here are the key regulations: Within Houston City Limits: The use, sale, or possession of fireworks is strictly prohibited.Discharging fireworks on your property, whether you own or rent it, is typically a violation of city ordinance. This includes common consumer fireworks like sparklers, firecrackers, bottle rockets, and Roman candles. 600-Foot Safety Zone: Fireworks may not be used within 600 feet of Churches, Hospitals, Asylums, Licensed child care centers and Public or private primary and secondary schools. 100-Foot Hazard Zone: Fireworks may not be used within 100 feet of Places that store or sell flammable liquids or gases, Other fireworks vendors or storage locations Transportation Rules: Fireworks must not be opened or stored inside a vehicle during transport. Always carry them safely and securely in a separate area. Violating these regulations can result in: Fines of up to $2,000 per offense Confiscation of fireworks Possible fire safety violations and liability for any damage caused Why These Rules Matter Fireworks are a significant fire hazard , especially in residential areas with closely spaced homes, dry vegetation, and limited escape routes. They can also: Disturb pets and individuals with PTSD or sensory sensitivities Lead to injuries or fires if handled improperly Cause property damage or trigger false alarms What You Can Do Instead To celebrate safely and legally: Attend public firework displays organized by the city or local parks Enjoy alternatives like glow sticks, confetti poppers, or no-noise LED sparklers Host small gatherings with music and festive lighting without fire risks Always prioritize safety when handling fireworks, and never give fireworks to small children. Please be mindful of your neighbors and the community. If you witness illegal fireworks , you can report them to Houston Police Department’s non-emergency line at 713-884-3131 . Review important safety information from the Houston Fire Department. Let’s keep our community safe, peaceful, and fire-free this season.

Living in Houston means being no stranger to hurricanes and tropical storms. As a homeowner, preparing ahead of time is essential to protect your property, your family, and your community. Why It Matters Reduces Property Damage Ensures Safety Helps avoid Last-Minute Stress Protects Insurance Claims to help you navigate post-storm insurance processes more easily. Structural Protection Inspect roof for loose shingles or tiles Clean gutters and downspouts Install storm shutters or pre-cut plywood for all windows Reinforce garage doors and entry doors Seal all openings to prevent wind and water intrusion Yard and Exterior Safety Trim trees and remove dead branches Bring in or secure outdoor furniture and décor Store trash bins, grills, and lawn tools indoors Secure fences, sheds, and other outdoor structures Flood and Water Control Check sump pumps and drains Place sandbags near vulnerable entry points Elevate valuable items and appliances in flood-prone areas Insurance & Documentation Review homeowners and flood insurance policies Take photos/video of home and belongings for documentation Back up important documents to the cloud or USB Emergency Preparation Assemble emergency kit (water, non-perishable food, flashlights, first aid, medications) Prepare evacuation plan and identify local shelters Charge devices and backup batteries Inform all family members of safety procedures Prepare for Power Outages: Have a backup power source if needed, and remember to use it safely. Here are some examples: Generators: Typically larger in size and capacity for what can be powered, they can typically charge anywhere from a few devices/appliances on up to an entire house (depending on the specific generator and setup). When using a generator it's important to stay safe, so be sure to follow the proper handling instructions - including where to put it when running - that are provided by the manufacturer. It's recommended to review the instructions in advance, so you're prepared if you need to use the generator. Solar Powered Charging Bank: These are smaller in size, typically closer in size to a cell phone. They can typically be charged up in two ways - either connected to a power source (e.g. outlet, car adapter) or via sunlight. In the event of a lengthy power outage, the solar feature on these can help ensure your devices can be charged and keep you connected to the news and loved ones. Final Reminders Monitor official weather updates regularly- National Weather Service . Visit the Texas Hurricane Center for information on proactive steps to take before, during, and after a hurricane , visit TexasReady.gov for additional hurricane safety tips and tdem.texas.gov/prepare for preparedness information. Don’t wait until a storm is imminent—prepare in advance. Keep copies of all important documents, contacts, and policies in a waterproof folder or backed up digitally. Practice your emergency plan at least once a year. By preparing early, you can face hurricane season with greater confidence and peace of mind.

What Houston Homeowners Should Know

As the temperatures climb, the community pool quickly becomes a go-to destination for cooling off, unwinding, and connecting with neighbors. It’s helpful to know how pool access is handled and the guidelines in place to ensure a safe and pleasant environment for all. Homeowners are required to register a phone number through the app to gain pool access. To complete your registration, please follow these steps: Download 'VIZpin SMART' app from the Google Play store or i Tunes App store. Open the app and Register as a new user. Fill in all the details. You will receive an SMS with a security code after the registration is complete. Enter the security code. Enter the location- ID if provided by the Building Manager otherwise Tap continue. Proceed to Login using the phone number and password entered during registration. Tap "Allow" for the permission requests when asked. Tap the grey key to retrieve your VIZpin keys after the Building Manager grants you access. Registration instructions for VIZpin can be found on the document section of the portal. Only 1 access per property is provided. Additional access must be requested using the form HERE.  Please remember to follow all posted rules, supervise children at all times, and respect quiet hours and guest limits. Let’s work together to keep the pool area clean, safe, and enjoyable for everyone. Enjoy your summer and make the most of your community pool—safely and responsibly!

Handling Neighbourhood disputes

Plumbing maintenance by Tenants

Hurricane Preparedness