Elizabeth Luna won a three-year legal dispute with her Oaks Northwest homeowners association after challenging a rule change that she says was adopted improperly to ban short-term rentals. The HOA’s claim that blocked her sale was dismissed, and in 2026 a judge ordered the HOA to pay damages and attorney fees and held the HOA president personally liable for interfering with a rental contract. Luna says the ordered payments have been made and hopes her case encourages homeowners to hold boards accountable.
Texas Landlord Wins Over $33,000 After 3-Year HOA Battle
Image Credit: KSAT12 / YouTube.
Elizabeth Luna, a homeowner in the Oaks Northwest community, has prevailed after a three-year legal fight with her homeowners association (HOA). The dispute centered on rental rules in the 11-home community and culminated in a court judgment ordering the HOA and its president to pay damages and fees to Luna.
Luna says she bought the property as a rental when short-term leasing was permitted. According to court filings and statements to KSAT, HOA President Terri Thomure amended association rules to prohibit short-term rentals without following the required procedures under Texas law. Luna alleged this rule change was therefore invalid.
Attempting to comply, Luna secured a 12-month lease for the property, but she says the tenant backed out days later after an aggressive encounter with Thomure. Luna also claims the HOA later blocked her effort to sell the house and filed a legal claim against the property, delaying the sale.
Court Fight And Outcome
The HOA’s claim was eventually dismissed, allowing Luna to complete the sale in May 2024. After the sale, Luna pursued legal action against the association. According to KSAT and court records, Judge Monique Diaz ruled in Luna’s favor in 2026.
The court ordered the HOA to pay $10,743.39 in damages plus $10,000 in attorney’s fees. The court also found Thomure personally liable for interfering with the rental contract and assessed her $12,500. Luna reports that both the HOA and Thomure have paid the sums ordered by the court.
"If you find that your board members are not following the rules, hold them accountable," Luna told KSAT. "Hold them to a higher standard. Because often they abuse that power."
Reaction And Takeaway
The case drew attention online, including a Reddit thread where readers celebrated the ruling and discussed whether they could pursue similar claims in their own communities. Luna hopes her victory will encourage homeowners to demand transparency and rule compliance from HOA boards.
Key Dates: Sale allowed to proceed — May 2024; Final judgment issued — 2026.
Help us improve.
