Texas HOA Letter Template — Citing Property Code §202.007
Last Updated: January 2025 | Reading Time: 6 minutes
What Texas Law Says
Texas Property Code §202.007 prohibits property owners' associations from enforcing deed restrictions that require water-intensive landscaping or prohibit water-conserving landscaping. The statute specifically prevents HOAs from requiring grass lawns and from restricting drought-resistant landscaping. Most Texas native plants are inherently drought-resistant and fall squarely within this protection.
Response Letter Template
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Date]
[HOA Name]
Attn: Board of Directors / Architectural Review Committee
[HOA Address]
Re: Response to Violation Notice Dated [date] — [Your Address]
Texas Property Code §202.007 Notice
Dear Board Members,
I am in receipt of the violation notice dated [date] concerning the landscaping at my property. I am responding to formally dispute this notice on legal grounds.
The landscaping at issue consists of drought-resistant, water-conserving plants, including [list species — e.g., Texas Lantana, Black-Eyed Susan, Turk's Cap]. A complete plant inventory is attached.
Texas Property Code §202.007 expressly prohibits a property owners' association from enforcing a restrictive covenant that restricts or prohibits the installation or use of drought-resistant landscaping or water-conserving natural turf. The plants identified in your notice fall within this statutory protection.
Accordingly, I request that:
1. The violation notice dated [date] be formally withdrawn in writing;
2. Any fines or penalties associated with the notice be rescinded; and
3. Written confirmation of the above be provided within 30 days.
I have attached a maintenance plan demonstrating the active management of this landscaping. I prefer to resolve this matter cooperatively, but I am prepared to pursue all available legal remedies if enforcement contrary to §202.007 continues.
Sincerely,
[Name]
[Contact information]
Attachments: Plant inventory; Maintenance plan; Texas Property Code §202.007 (full text)
How to Send It
- Send via certified mail with return receipt — Texas HOA disputes often turn on proof of communication
- Email a copy to the HOA manager simultaneously, requesting read confirmation
- Keep copies of everything, including the mailing receipt
- Calendar the 30-day deadline — if no response, follow up in writing referencing the original letter
Strengthening Your Letter
- Attach your full maintenance plan
- Cite any municipal water conservation program in your city (Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, El Paso, and most Texas cities have active turf-reduction programs)
- Include photos showing the maintained, intentional state of your landscaping
- Generate a customized report with our HOA Compliance Wizard
For complete Texas legal information, see our Texas state guide.