HOA and Rental Property Management News and Updates

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

As summer settles in, it’s time for Homeowners to get ahead of the season with smart home maintenance. The heat and humidity can sneak up quickly, leading to higher energy bills and unexpected repairs if you're not prepared. A little planning now can go a long way in keeping your home cool, efficient, and stress-free all summer long. 1. Optimize Your Air Conditioning System: A clogged or dirty air filter makes your system work harder, using more energy. Replacing your filter every 1-2 months can improve efficiency and reduce your energy bill. Set your thermostat to a temperature that is comfortable but not excessively lower than the outdoor temperature. Extreme differences can lead to higher energy consumption and potentially strain the system. Use a smart thermostat that can help manage the temperature differential more efficiently by adjusting settings based on your schedule, occupancy, and outdoor weather. Maximize comfort and cut costs—click here to discover smart thermostat tips! 2. Improve Home Insulation: Proper insulation and sealing of your home can help reduce the temperature differential between indoor and outdoor environments. Weather stripping helps seal gaps around doors, preventing warm or cool air from escaping and outside air from entering. 3. Enhance Exterior Shade: Consider planting trees or adding shading structures to block direct sunlight and reduce cooling costs. You can also use blackout curtains or window films to minimize indoor heat gain—make sure they fully cover your windows for maximum effectiveness. 4. Stay Informed and Utilize Resources: Follow weather alerts and warnings for extreme heat events. Know where to find Emergency Cooling Centers and utilize it during heat waves. 5. Other Tips: Stay healthy in the heat by drinking plenty of water, eating hydrating foods and balanced meals, and protecting yourself from the sun with light clothing, hats, and sunglasses. Ceiling fans can help circulate air and make it feel cooler. Remember to turn them off when you leave a room. Use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom to remove heat and humidity. Consider using natural ventilation in the evenings when temperatures drop. Your electricity usage depends entirely on how energy-efficient your home is and your daily habits or lifestyle.

One of the greatest legacies any parent can give a child is a framework for living an enduring healthy lifestyle. It is hard to underestimate the power parents have on their children’s development, which is why parenting is such a profound responsibility. The attitudes and habits formed in childhood can determine your child’s health in his or her adult years. Here are some ideas for parents who are looking to raise healthy children that grow up to be healthy adults: 1. Stick to a Steady Routine Set regular times for meals, schoolwork, play, and bedtime to give your child a sense of stability and help them stay on track. 2. Get Active It may be harder than ever to tear children away from the phone, computer, and TV, but it’s crucial that children engage in active play. Make use of the great weather and explore nearby parks, playgrounds, or trails. Whether it’s a quick game of catch outside or a weekend hike, staying active doesn’t have to be fancy—it just has to be fun! 3. Choose Healthier Foods Modern lives are busy, but try to plan ahead by stocking healthy foods and snacks in the house. You may even want to cook a few meals during the weekend for the week ahead. If you’re looking to improve dieting behaviors, be sure to move slowly with these changes. The less the kids notice, the more effective the transition will likely be. Expose your child to different foods by pairing them with foods he or she already likes. Let your kids pick out healthy snacks at the store. Cooking together is a fun way to teach them about balanced eating. 4. Cut Down Screen Time Set limits on TV and tablet use, especially during school nights. Instead, encourage your kids to read a book, draw, or play a game. Tech-free time helps kids stay focused, creative, and better rested. A shared family space can still be tech-free during certain hours to promote more interaction and creativity. 5. Teach Life Skills Early Give your kids little responsibilities around the house like tidying their room, feeding a pet, or setting the table. These small chores help them feel confident and capable, no matter your home size. 6. Promote Emotional Wellness Kids are tough, but they still need support! Talk to your children about their feelings openly, practice gratitude, and encourage kindness. Make your home a safe place for emotional expression, love and support are the most important foundations. Thirty-four percent of children in Houston (age 12 and over) are currently overweight or obese, according to the Houston Department of Health and Human Services.  Good habits should begin early in childhood. It’ll save you (and your adult child) from the difficulties of breaking bad habits later on. Healthy habits grow best with love and consistency. No matter where you live, you can give your kids the tools they need to thrive. Lessons are difficult to teach if the teacher is not practicing what he or she preaches. Be sure to lead by example. Start small, and you’ll see big results!