Buying a Home With an HOA in San Antonio: What to Know (2026)

By Chris Dudley, San Antonio REALTOR®, Founder of Legacy Realty Group, brokered by Real Broker, LLC (TREC #731381). Updated October 27, 2026.

Many San Antonio-area neighborhoods come with a mandatory homeowners association (HOA). In Texas, the contract gives buyers specific rights to review the HOA's documents before closing. Here is how it works under TREC's HOA addendum (TREC No. 36-11).

What "subdivision information" means

When a home is in a mandatory HOA, your contract includes the TREC addendum for property subject to mandatory membership in a property owners association. It defines subdivision information as the HOA's current restrictions, bylaws and rules, plus a resale certificate as described in Section 207.003 of the Texas Property Code. (Condominiums use a different addendum.)

Your four options in the HOA addendum

Seller provides it. The seller gets and pays for the subdivision information within the number of days you agree on. You can terminate within 3 days after you receive it (or before closing, if sooner) and get your earnest money back. If you never get it, you can terminate any time before closing.
Buyer gets it. You obtain it at your own cost within the agreed days, with the same 3-day right to terminate after receipt.
You already have it. You received and approved it before signing; you can still require an updated resale certificate, which the seller delivers at your expense within 10 days after receiving payment.
You don't require it. You waive delivery. This gives up a key review right, so think carefully before choosing it.

Fees, dues and changes

Transfer fees and reserves: The addendum sets a dollar cap on HOA transfer-related fees, deposits and reserves the buyer pays; the seller pays anything above it. Negotiate this number in your offer.
Regular dues: Ongoing dues and assessments are prorated between buyer and seller at closing under the main contract.
Material changes: If the seller learns the subdivision information has materially changed, the seller must tell you promptly, and you can terminate before closing with your earnest money refunded if the information was untrue or a material adverse change occurs.
HOA repairs: The addendum warns that the HOA may be solely responsible for certain repairs. If that matters to you (for example, shared fences or common areas), get comfortable with how the HOA handles it before you sign.

Questions to ask about any San Antonio HOA

What are the dues, how often are they billed, and have they gone up recently?
Are any special assessments planned or being discussed?
What do the rules say about fences, parking, trailers or RVs, short-term rentals, home businesses and exterior changes?
What amenities do the dues cover (pools, parks, trails, gates)?
Is the home also in a MUD or PID? Those are separate from the HOA. See MUD and PID taxes.

Frequently asked questions

What is an HOA resale certificate in Texas?

It is a document from the HOA, described in Section 207.003 of the Texas Property Code, that is part of the subdivision information a buyer reviews along with the HOA's restrictions, bylaws and rules.

Can I back out after reading the HOA documents?

Yes, under the TREC HOA addendum (options 1 and 2) you can terminate within 3 days after receiving the subdivision information, or before closing if sooner, and get your earnest money refunded.

Who pays HOA transfer fees in San Antonio?

The TREC addendum lets buyer and seller set a dollar cap on transfer-related fees the buyer pays; the seller pays anything over that cap. Regular dues are prorated at closing.

Is an HOA the same as a MUD or PID?

No. An HOA is a private owners association with dues and rules. A MUD is a utility district that charges a property tax, and a PID charges an assessment set by a city or county. A home can have any combination.

Who can help me compare HOA neighborhoods in San Antonio?

Chris Dudley is a San Antonio REALTOR® and Founder of Legacy Realty Group, brokered by Real Broker, LLC (TREC #731381), serving buyers across Alamo Ranch, Stone Oak, Cibolo, Schertz, Converse, New Braunfels and Boerne. Call (210) 838-6099.

Next step

Comparing neighborhoods and HOAs? Call or text Chris Dudley at (210) 838-6099 (Mon-Sat, 9 AM-6 PM).

General information about TREC forms, not legal advice. Read your actual contract and HOA documents and talk with a Texas real estate attorney about your situation.