Texas residents pay $1,000 HOA dues, then spend months in the dark with street lights out

Homeowners in one Texas neighborhood pay more than $1,000 a year in HOA dues, yet they say the community's street lights were out for months.

The subdivision sits in a rural area surrounded by fields, and residents said the outage meant darker roads, poorer visibility, and greater safety concerns after sunset.

Here's what to know

Residents of Vacek Pointe, a Fort Bend County subdivision, told ABC13 Houston that the neighborhood's street lights had been out for months. They said HOA dues are supposed to cover lighting and other shared amenities.

The neighborhood's location made the problem feel urgent to families there. One resident described the area by saying, "It's nothing but cornfields and cotton fields," adding, "Something needs to be done before it's too late." Another resident said the darkness had become so severe that "I'll be having to drive with my high beams on. It's a mess."

ABC13 reported that residents spent about two months handing out flyers while continuing to contact the HOA. The HOA said the lights were already out when the management company took over from the builder on Sept. 1. The builder told the station it was no longer involved in managing the subdivision and could not comment.

More background

The TikTok video said service is being restored to the street lights, but residents said they still want answers about where their dues have been going. As one resident said, "Everybody's been paying their dues. Everybody wants to know where it's going."

Residents said they moved to the neighborhood for its schools and quiet setting, but the lack of lighting changed daily habits and raised concerns about children, drivers, and anyone outside after dark. One resident put it plainly: "My kids deserve safety."

Homeowners who want to better understand their rights, whether the issue is missing services, solar restrictions, or landscaping rules, can also review this resource on working with HOAs to change bylaws and push for practical updates.

Where can I learn more?

These stories look at complaints homeowners have raised about HOA dues, authority, and basic neighborhood upkeep. 

• In Texas, residents cited a law that restricts HOA control over rain barrels and solar equipment.

• Residents said the absurd waste of water showed how dues were funding pointless sprinkler schedules.

• A renter found a plan to outsmart HOA porch-light rules instead of paying extra.

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