Texas appeals court says HOA isn't liable for fight between resident and volunteer treasurer

A homeowners association is not legally responsible for a physical fight between one of its residents and its volunteer treasurer, a Texas appeals court has ruled. The dispute began after a heated exchange at a Lake Bonanza Property Owners Association meeting, where a resident started recording the proceedings.

The situation led to a physical fight between the resident and the association's elected treasurer, who was a volunteer rather than an employee. On November 12, 2026, the Thirteenth Court of Appeals of Texas upheld an earlier ruling in favour of the homeowners association.

The appeals court found that the volunteer treasurer's physical actions were not part of his duties or authority as a board member.According to the court's written opinion, the people involved were resident Rodney Snell and the association's treasurer, identified as Courtney in court documents. The incident took place during or after a budget meeting of the Lake Bonanza Property Owners Association in Montgomery County.