The July 17, 2025 Hearthstone HOA Board meeting saw a significant turnout as residents packed the room, eager for answers about issues affecting property values and neighborhood character. Among the standard agenda items, the meeting focused on two topics increasingly raised by homeowners: rehabilitation and group homes operating within the neighborhood, and short-term rental properties booked through platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo.

In recent months, several rehab and group homes have been identified in Hearthstone, sparking conversations about their potential impact. Some residents worry about increased traffic, parking congestion, noise, and the perceived effect on property values. Others express concern about the well-being and behavior of individuals recovering from addiction or mental health challenges.

Rehab Homes and Legal Protections

Hearthstone HOA attorney Mark Knop of Hoover Slovacek LLP addressed the issue directly, explaining how state and federal laws protect certain types of group homes. He stressed that the Hearthstone HOA cannot discriminate on homes or residents with a handicap, including but not limited to mental issues, alcoholics, and drug addicts.

These protections stem from the federal Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, which classify individuals recovering from substance use disorders and mental health issues as having a disability. These laws prevent HOAs from banning such homes outright or placing burdensome restrictions on them.

Knop emphasized that these homes, often referred to as “recovery residences,” play a documented role in helping people maintain sobriety and rebuild their lives. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, residents of structured recovery homes are significantly more likely to maintain long-term sobriety, with peer-supported housing linked to reduced relapse rates and improved employment outcomes.

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However, concerns remain among homeowners nationwide when group homes are established in residential areas. A National Association of Realtors (NAR) review of multiple housing market studies concluded that well-managed recovery residences do not have a statistically significant impact on property values and may even stabilize neighborhoods by occupying otherwise vacant homes.

Similarly, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) notes that recovery residences often contribute to reduced relapse rates and improved employment outcomes for residents. While these homes typically blend into communities without issue, researchers emphasize that inadequate oversight or disruptive resident behavior can lead to neighborhood tensions, often centered on parking, noise, and perceived safety concerns rather than measurable property devaluation.

Knop advised residents that if occupants from any rehab home become unruly within the community, it is encouraged to report this to the police or to the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR). The Texas Recovery-Oriented Housing Network (TROHN), the state affiliate of NARR (trohn.org), provides additional oversight and resources.

For urgent issues, residents can contact the Harris County Precinct 5 Constable’s Office at 281-463-6666. 

Short-Term Rentals: Airbnb and Vrbo

Short-term rentals were another point of discussion, as more homeowners explore listing their properties on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo. Knop explained that the Texas Supreme Court does not deem this as running a business from a home, meaning existing HOA rules cannot simply be applied to restrict these rentals.

To establish clear restrictions, Knop said that the Association would need to amend the governing documents to include a resolution for short-term rentals giving specific verbiage such as rental agreements must be a minimum of six months to a year lease. Any amendment would require approval from 67% of the homeowners—a challenging threshold designed to ensure any changes have overwhelming community support.

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National and regional data show why short-term rentals remain a topic of debate in communities like Hearthstone. According to AirDNA, Houston-area short-term rental listings grew by 11% in 2024, reflecting broader national trends toward vacation and investment rental properties. While platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo contribute to local tourism and property income, several studies—including a Harvard Business Review analysis—link high concentrations of short-term rentals to rising housing costs and reduced long-term rental availability, estimating housing prices can increase by up to 3% in affected markets depending on density and local enforcement.

Balancing Community Interests

The meeting reflected the difficult balance communities face when navigating these issues. On one hand, rehab homes provide an essential service and are protected by law, supporting individuals seeking recovery and stability. On the other, short-term rentals raise questions about neighborhood security, noise, and the sense of permanence many residents value.

For Hearthstone, the path forward will likely involve education, communication, and community action. Residents are encouraged to report issues promptly through official channels, participate in HOA decision-making processes, and stay informed about any upcoming efforts to amend governing documents or improve oversight.

Stay tuned with My Neighborhood News for updates on HOA initiatives, potential short-term rental regulations, and developments related to group homes in Hearthstone.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.