What notices must a Texas HOA send before recording an assessment lien?
Reviewed May 2026📘 Short Answer
Under Texas Property Code §209.0094, a Texas HOA must send a first notice of delinquency by first-class mail or email, then a second notice by certified mail no earlier than 30 days after the first. It may not file the assessment lien until the 90th day after the second notice was sent. Use that time to review the amount owed and ask about a payment plan under §209.0062.
⚖️ Relevant Texas Law
- § Tex. Prop. Code §209.0094 — Requires a multi-step notice process before an HOA may record an assessment lien.
- § Tex. Prop. Code §209.0062 — Requires HOAs with more than 14 lots to offer payment plans before recording an assessment lien.
🏠 What This Means for Homeowners
Texas law requires multiple notices before a lien can be recorded. You generally have more time to respond than many homeowners realize. Act promptly in writing.
- ✓ Review the notice carefully to confirm the amount owed and breakdown of charges
- ✓ Contact the HOA in writing to dispute any incorrect charges
- ✓ Request a payment plan in writing — many Texas HOAs must offer one before recording a lien
- ✓ Pay the full amount or execute a payment plan to prevent the lien from being recorded
- ✓ Request written confirmation from the HOA that no lien will be recorded
I got a pre-lien notice — how much time do I have?
Ask Lexi about your assessment or lien🏢 What This Means for Boards and Managers
Texas law requires a multi-step notice process before an assessment lien can be recorded. Follow every step — a lien recorded prematurely may be subject to challenge.
- ✓ Follow the full notice sequence required by §209.0094 before recording any lien
- ✓ Send all required notices by certified mail to the owner's last known address
- ✓ Include the total amount owed with an itemized breakdown
- ✓ Do not record the lien until the full notice process is complete
- ✓ Retain all certified mail receipts as proof of proper service
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✕ Sending required notices by regular first-class mail instead of certified mail
- ✕ Recording the lien before the full notice process is complete
- ✕ Not including an itemized breakdown of charges in the notice
People Also Ask
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Last reviewed: 2026-05-09 · Version 2026.2