"Dedicatory instrument," "restrictive covenant," "estoppel certificate" — the language of HOA law often sounds like another language entirely. Here, every term is explained in plain English with examples of how it appears in real documents.
Searches the entire library. Results are grouped by content type.
If you only learn five HOA legal terms, learn these. They appear in nearly every governing document and dispute.
The recorded document that creates and governs an HOA — usually the declaration, bylaws, or articles of incorporation.
A rule recorded against your property that limits what you can do with it — like fence height, paint color, or rentals.
The master document that establishes the HOA, defines property rights, and lists the restrictions every owner agreed to.
Different parts of HOA law use different vocabulary. Pick the area you're researching.
Declarations, bylaws, CC&Rs, and the documents that create HOA authority.
Notice, hearing, fine, lien, foreclosure — the language of HOA enforcement actions.
Quorum, proxy, fiduciary duty, and the terms used in board meetings and elections.
Assessments, special assessments, estoppel certificates, and how HOAs track money owed.
Every legal term we've defined, sorted alphabetically. Click any term for the full plain-English definition.
Definitions are clearer when you see how they appear in actual statutes, cases, and disputes.
A 15-minute conversation with a licensed Texas attorney can break down any document — and tell you whether you need to act.