Governance 104
Governance 104: Your Rights & Responsibilities as a Homeowner
Every owner in The Silos is both a member of the Association and a co-steward of the community’s shared property and standards. Understanding your rights and responsibilities helps keep the neighborhood fair, well-maintained, and enjoyable for everyone.
1. What You Agreed To
When you purchased your home, you automatically became a member of The Silos Community Association. The recorded Declaration of Covenants is a binding contract that runs with the land — it applies to all lots and owners. By accepting the deed, each owner agrees to comply with the community’s governing documents and pay their fair share of maintenance costs.
2. Your Rights as a Member
Every homeowner has rights protected by both the Texas Property Code and the Association’s Bylaws:
| Right | What It Means | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Notice of Meetings | Receive advance notice of all member and board meetings and agenda items. | Texas Property Code §209.0051; Bylaws Art. V |
| Vote & Participate | Vote in Board elections and on matters reserved for the membership. | Bylaws Art. IV–V |
| Inspect Records | Request access to association financials, minutes, and governing documents. | Bylaws Art. IX; Tex. Prop. Code §209.005 |
| Due Process | Receive written notice and a hearing opportunity before fines or suspension of privileges. | Texas Property Code §209.007 |
| Fair Enforcement | Expect consistent, nondiscriminatory enforcement of the covenants and rules. | Master Covenant §5.14 |
3. Your Responsibilities as a Homeowner
Membership also carries obligations that ensure the community can function and maintain its shared value. These responsibilities aren’t arbitrary — they are required by the recorded documents and state law.
- Pay Assessments: Fund operations, insurance, reserves, and maintenance of common areas. (Master Covenant Art. 5)
- Maintain Your Lot: Keep landscaping, fences, and exteriors in good condition per the community standards.
- Seek Architectural Approval: Obtain written approval before altering exteriors, fencing, or landscaping.
- Comply with Rules: Follow all policies for amenities, parking, and property use.
- Update Contact Info: Ensure the Association can reach you for notices and emergencies.
4. Balancing Rights & Responsibilities
Homeowners’ rights and responsibilities are two sides of the same coin: rights protect individual interests, while responsibilities protect the community as a whole. The Association’s success depends on all members fulfilling both.
| Homeowner Rights | Corresponding Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Access to records and transparency | Keep informed and review information before assuming misconduct. |
| Use of amenities | Follow facility rules and supervise guests or minors. |
| Fair enforcement | Maintain your property to the same standard expected of neighbors. |
| Participation in elections | Stay engaged and vote — your voice shapes policy. |
5. Common Misunderstandings
- The HOA cannot “waive” your dues — assessments are mandatory for all lots.
- Architectural review is not optional, even for minor exterior work.
- The Board cannot selectively enforce; complaints are confidential and handled by process, not favoritism.
- Fines are not profit — they are compliance tools, and funds stay in the Association’s account.
6. The Big Picture
The HOA isn’t an outside entity — it’s the collective of every owner. The Board, management, and committees simply carry out the duties all members share: maintaining property values, preserving aesthetics, and ensuring fairness.
By understanding your rights and fulfilling your responsibilities, you help The Silos remain a well-kept, welcoming, and high-value community.