HOA and Rental Property Management News and Updates

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!

A budget helps tenants understand their income and expenses, giving them greater control over their finances. Budgeting allows tenants to categorize expenses (utilities, groceries, transportation, etc.), helping them identify areas where they can cut back or save ; enables tenants to set and achieve financial goals, whether it's saving for a future home, paying off debt, or planning a vacation and facilitate consistent payment of bills on time, which in turn improve a tenant's credit score over time. Keeping track of monthly income and expenses ensures that tenants can prioritize rent payments and avoid late fees or eviction. There are several apps that can help tenants stay organized and manage finances better: Mint : This app allows you to track expenses, set budgets, and get insights into your spending habits. You can categorize expenses and see how they stack up against your budget. You Need a Budget ( YNAB ): YNAB focuses on helping users allocate every dollar and prioritize spending. It's great for building a budgeting strategy that suits your needs. Good Budget : A digital envelope budgeting tool, Good Budget allows you to plan your expenses ahead of time. You can create categories for rent, utilities, groceries, and more. Pocket Guard: This app shows how much disposable income you have after accounting for bills, goals, and necessities, making it easy to see what you can spend. Every Dollar : Developed by financial expert Dave Ramsey, this app uses a zero-based budgeting approach, helping you allocate your income to specific categories. Wally : A personal finance app that helps you track your expenses and income while providing insights into your spending patterns. Spendee : This app allows you to create shared wallets, which can be helpful if you’re splitting costs with roommates. It also helps track expenses and budget. Simplifi : A budgeting tool that helps you see all your finances in one place, allowing for better tracking and management of your budget. To choose a Budgeting app: start by defining your goals, such as tracking expenses or managing bills. Look for a user-friendly design and essential features like bill reminders and savings goals. Ensure the app can link to your bank accounts for automatic tracking. Consider your budget, including any subscription fees, and check device compatibility. Choose an app that allows category customization and has strong security measures, like encryption and two-factor authentication. Check for customer support options and read user reviews for insights into others’ experiences. A budget offers tenants a clear understanding of what they can afford, enabling them to make informed decisions about housing, lifestyle, and other financial commitments. By tracking where their money goes and having a financial plan, tenants can reduce anxiety about their finances, resulting in greater peace of mind. Budgeting empowers tenants to manage their finances more effectively and work towards a more stable financial future.

A rapidly growing and diverse real estate market offers significant opportunities for investors but the use of fake IDs , presents a growing risk. Hence Investors have to be vigilant and failure to properly verify tenant and buyer identities can lead to costly and potentially devastating outcomes. Risks of Fake IDs Fraudulent Transactions: Fake IDs can be used for identity theft or fraudulent property transactions, leading to financial loss. Money Laundering: Criminals may use fake IDs to conceal their true identity in illegal real estate transactions, exposing investors to legal risks. Tenant Screening Issues: Fake IDs can result in renting properties to individuals with a history of fraud or criminal activity, increasing the risk of non-payment or property damage. Legal Consequences: Failing to verify identities could result in lawsuits or regulatory fines for landlords or property managers. Reputation Damage: Association with fraudulent tenants or illegal activities can harm a real estate business’s reputation, affecting future deals. Prevention Strategies Implement advanced identity verification systems and background checks to verify tenant identities. Invest in ID scanning systems for accurate identity verification during rental applications. Monitor Financial Transactions by Implementing checks to identify suspicious financial activity, such as money laundering. Perform periodic audits of property transactions and tenant documentation to ensure compliance with regulations. Collaborate with legal and real estate professionals to stay updated on fraud prevention best practices. Train staff to recognize fake IDs : Pay close attention to physical inconsistencies like peeling laminate, blurry text, or an odd texture. Compare the ID’s details with the applicant’s appearance. Be on the lookout for spelling errors or inaccurate information. Check for built-in security features such as holograms, watermarks, and UV images to help verify authenticity. Staying alert and informed is the key to protecting your property and community.

The 89th Texas Legislature is currently reviewing several proposed bills that could significantly influence how Homeowners Associations (HOAs) function. These legislative updates include modifications to various sections of the Texas Property Code, which governs the formation, operation, and management of homeowners associations. Key terms like Homeowners Association refer to private entities that manage neighborhoods and subdivisions, often enforcing aesthetic standards, collecting dues, and maintaining shared spaces. Much of the legislation discussed here falls under Chapter 209 of the Texas Property Code, governing the powers and limitations of Homeowners Association. Several new bills were passed to empower homeowners in areas where they’ve historically had limited recourse. Let’s dive into eight key changes and explore how these proposed reforms could reshape community living throughout Texas. . House Bill 5011 allows homeowners involved in lawsuits against their Homeowners Association to temporarily withhold assessment payments until their case is resolved, easing financial burdens during litigation. House Bill 5225 particularly Section 209.0151, strips Homeowners Association of the authority to control aesthetic elements of home improvements such as color, materials, or types as long as those changes comply with municipal building codes. This effectively removes the Homeowners Association's control over aesthetic decisions that were previously enforced, regardless of safety or legal concerns. House Bill 431 ensures homeowners can install solar roof tiles without interference from the Homeowners Association, supporting Texas' commitment to renewable energy. In light of increasing drought conditions, environmental considerations also shaped laws like HB 359, HB 517, and Senate Bill (SB) 542 , which collectively prevent HOA from sending violations or fining residents for brown lawns or landscaping changes caused by drought. HB 1432 limits an HOA’s ability to prevent homeowners from using drought-resistant landscaping in place of natural turf. HB 2269 prohibits HOAs from requiring homeowners to install living grass or turf. These updates significantly limit HOA's control over yard maintenance while promoting sustainability. HB 294 broadens the scope of personal gardening rights by allowing homeowners to grow fruits, vegetables, and keep up to six domestic fowl or rabbits anywhere on their property including front yards. HB 2013 and SB 141 safeguard homeowners' rights to keep chickens, with SB 141 setting a limit of six birds , reflecting the growing popularity of urban homesteading. HB 1087 and SB 704 demand democratic transparency within Homeowners Associations by requiring special elections to fill board vacancies, even in cases of mid-term resignations. The new legislation represents a dramatic evolution in homeowner rights, signaling a move toward greater personal freedom and reduced HOA influence over private property. These changes offer a more equitable model of property ownership where individuals are encouraged to conserve resources, grow their own food, and install green technologies without excessive red tape. However, the shift comes with challenges. Homeowners must take a more active role in responsibly managing their property, and HOAs will need to modernize their policies, which may involve legal consultations and revised community engagement strategies. To ease the transition, the state could offer standardized training for HOA boards on the new laws, and cities could publish clear guidelines that define how building code compliance will substitute for prior aesthetic enforcement. Ultimately, these reforms create an opportunity for a healthier relationship between HOAs and the communities they serve, one based more on cooperation than control. For homeowners, it’s a long-overdue expansion of rights. For HOAs, it’s a call to evolve from enforcers into facilitators of thriving, sustainable neighborhoods.

While Zelle offers a convenient and fast way to send and receive money, there are several risks that both senders and recipients should be aware of. These risks are especially relevant when using Zelle for transactions like rent payments or other business dealings. While Zelle is a convenient payment method, there are important factors to consider to avoid complications: 1. Not Keeping Proper Records Landlords need to keep accurate records for tax purposes, legal compliance, and in case of disputes. Zelle transactions typically don’t come with a receipt like traditional payments, so it’s important to log details such as the date, amount, and tenant’s name. Keep a digital or paper log of each Zelle transaction. You can also request a receipt from your bank or use accounting software to track payments. 2. Assuming the payment is correct without verifying the amount or tenant’s details. Zelle transfers are instant, and once sent, they cannot be reversed or undone. If a tenant mistakenly sends less rent or uses an incorrect reference, it could lead to confusion or missed payments. Always double-check the payment amount and confirm with the tenant that it was sent correctly. You can also ask for a confirmation message or screen capture of the payment. 3 . Not Having a Written Agreement on Payment Method Zelle may not be the preferred method for all tenants or landlords. Without clear terms in the lease, tenants might mistakenly assume Zelle is acceptable, leading to misunderstandings about payment deadlines or methods. Clarify payment methods in the lease agreement, specifying the due date, the method of payment, and consequences for missed or incorrect payments. 4. Receiving rent payments through a personal Zelle account Using a personal account for business transactions can complicate tax filings, create potential legal issues, and make it harder to separate personal and rental income. Set up a separate bank account for your rental properties and link that account to Zelle to ensure a clear distinction between personal and rental transactions. 5. Not Providing a Clear Payment Reference If multiple tenants are paying rent through the same method , it can become difficult to identify who made which payment. This can lead to confusion and missed or incorrect payments. Always ask tenants to include a reference note, like "Rent for [Month] - [Tenant's Name or Apartment Number]," so you can quickly identify who made the payment. 6. Assuming Zelle is Secure Without Understanding the Risks While Zelle is generally safe, it’s important to only use it with trusted parties. Scammers sometimes pose as tenants, tricking landlords into accepting fraudulent payments. Always verify the identity of the tenant and confirm that they are the one sending the payment. Avoid using Zelle for rent payments until the tenant is vetted. 7. Not Addressing Payment Disputes Promptly Once a Zelle payment is sent, it’s immediate and irreversible. Disputes need to be addressed quickly to prevent miscommunication or potential eviction proceedings based on payment issues. If there’s a dispute, verify payment history through your bank's online portal, confirm the payment details with the tenant, and resolve any issues immediately. 8. Overlooking Transaction Limits Zelle has daily and monthly transaction limits, which might be a problem for large rent payments or tenants paying in installments. Familiarize yourself with your bank’s Zelle limits and inform tenants if you need to adjust payment methods or send rent in multiple installments. Set clear due dates and confirm payment timing with tenants, as Zelle and maintain a separate account for rent payments and regularly reconcile transactions to avoid confusion.

When landlords accept rent payments in cash, there are several potential mistakes and risks they may inadvertently commit. These mistakes can have legal, financial, and operational consequences. Common errors Landlords make when accepting cash payments for rent: Failure to Document Payments – Without proper documentation, there's no clear record that the tenant has paid rent. This can lead to disputes, especially if the tenant claims they’ve paid when they haven't, or vice versa. Not Keeping Payment Records – Cash transactions are harder to track, and failure to maintain proper records can lead to issues during tax reporting, property inspections, or disputes over unpaid rent. Not Reporting to the IRS – Cash payments may be tempting to keep off the books, but failing to report rental income is illegal and can lead to penalties, fines, or audits from the IRS. Accepting Payments Without Verification – This can open the door for fraud or payment from unauthorized individuals. It may also cause confusion if the tenant tries to deny paying rent or if there’s a misunderstanding about the payment. Inadequate Security – Handling cash can expose landlords to theft, especially if rent is collected in person or if large amounts of cash accumulate. Ignoring Late Payment Systems – Without a clear system in place to handle late or missed cash payments, landlords may find it difficult to track tenant arrears or take timely action if payment is delayed. If you're not tracking cash payments properly, this can lead to overdue rent accumulating undetected. Best Practices to Prevent Mistakes with Cash Rent Payments: Encourage tenants to pay with checks, money orders, or through electronic payment systems that leave an audit trail. If you must accept cash, make sure the tenant deposits it directly into your bank account (rather than handing it over in person) and always obtain a receipt. Regularly review tenants' payment history and ensure that all payments, including cash, are recorded in your tracking system. This will help you avoid disputes and better manage your properties. Set up a written policy for late rent payments in your lease agreement. This should include any grace periods, late fees, and procedures for handling missed payments. Keep track of all rent payment dates and amounts to ensure you are clear on what is owed. Set up a written policy for late rent payments in your lease agreement. This should include any grace periods, late fees, and procedures for handling missed payments. Keep track of all rent payment dates and amounts to ensure you are clear on what is owed. Check out what Texas Law has to say about rent payment.

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CenterPoint Energy plans to adjust the customer charge used to calculate monthly bills as detailed below. The proposed Interim Rate Adjustment is scheduled to take effect on April 19, 2025 . This proposed Interim Rate Adjustment will apply to all standard sales service customers within the cities and unincorporated areas served by the company covering the Company’s Houston, South Texas, Texas Coast, and Beaumont/East Texas geographic rate areas. The adjustment allows for the recovery of additional capital investment made between October 1, 2023, and December 31, 2024 . This request pertains to capital investments not included in any prior rate case or service rates and is subject to refund.

Rent Paid Through Credit Card refers to tenants paying their rent using a credit card instead of traditional payment methods like checks or bank transfers. This payment method offers convenience but also comes with specific considerations for both tenants and landlords. Landlords who accept rent payments via credit card might encounter several common errors. These errors can lead to issues with cash flow, financial management, or legal compliance. Below are some common mistakes and their potential solutions: 1. High Transaction Fees Problem: Credit card payments often come with significant transaction fees, usually ranging from 2.9% to 3.5% of the transaction amount. For landlords with multiple tenants, these fees can add up quickly. Solution: Consider using a third-party payment processor or platform that offers lower fees. Some property management software may have partnerships with payment processors that provide discounted rates for landlords. Alternatively, you could pass these fees on to tenants by charging a processing fee or offering other methods of payment (like ACH transfers) that do not incur high charges. 2. Delayed Payments Problem: Credit card payments may not immediately clear, leading to delays in receiving funds. Some tenants may forget to schedule their credit card payments on time, especially if they are manually processing the payment each month. This can impact a landlord’s ability to pay bills or cover property maintenance costs. Solution: Make sure tenants are aware that payments may take a few days to process. Consider setting up a clear system that notifies tenants about payment deadlines, and remind them that credit card payments may not be processed instantly. Also, consider using services that offer instant payment options for landlords who need immediate funds, though these may come with additional fees. 3. Fraudulent Transactions or Chargebacks Problem: Credit card chargebacks can occur if a tenant disputes the charge. This can be a common issue when tenants claim that payments weren’t authorized, leading to the loss of rental income. Solution: Always ensure that you have proper documentation (e.g., receipts, transaction logs) for each payment. You can also mitigate this by utilizing platforms that offer fraud protection and chargeback management. If using a payment gateway, ensure it has secure encryption and tokenization to protect against fraud. 4. Failure to Account for Partial Payments Problem: Some tenants may make partial payments using their credit cards, which could lead to confusion when tracking rent balances. If this occurs, landlords may have difficulty keeping track of whether the full rent has been paid. Solution: Use a property management system that automatically updates tenants’ accounts after each payment. This will allow you to keep track of whether partial payments have been made and send reminders or notices if the tenant’s balance is not fully paid. 5. Limited Payment Processing Options Problem: Not all tenants may have credit cards or feel comfortable using them for rent payments, leading to missed payments or frustration among renters. Solution: Offer multiple payment options alongside credit cards, such as ACH payments, e-checks, or money orders. Providing flexibility can help retain tenants who prefer not to use credit cards. 6. Incorrect Credit Card Information Problem: Tenants may have expired credit cards, changed accounts, or provide incorrect details, leading to failed transactions and missed rent payments. Solution: Implement systems that notify tenants when their payment fails due to incorrect or expired credit card information. Ensure that tenants have easy access to update their payment details and offer alternative payment methods if necessary. Communicate clearly and regularly with tenants about the payment process. Provide them with information on how to make payments, any associated fees, and the importance of timely payments to avoid late fees. Consider offering a payment portal with user-friendly access to ensure tenants understand the process. Thus Landlords can avoid financial complications and improve the efficiency of rent collection.