In a legal battle that underscores the complexities of property ownership and community regulations, a homeowners association has taken legal action against a resident for failing to meet financial obligations tied to property maintenance. The Memorial Northwest Homeowners Association filed a complaint in the District Court of Harris County on January 24, 2025, against Robert C. Steves, alleging breach of contract due to unpaid assessments.
The lawsuit centers around claims that Robert C. Steves, a resident of Texas and member of the Memorial Northwest community, has not fulfilled his contractual obligation to pay maintenance fees and special assessments as outlined in the restrictive covenants governing his property. These covenants were established by the original developers and are recorded in the Harris County Real Property Records. According to the plaintiff, these restrictions serve as an operative contract between them and Steves, who owns Lot Fifty-Five in Block Three of Memorial Northwest Section Eighteen.
The homeowners association asserts that Steves' failure to pay these fees constitutes a breach of contract. As per their petition, "Defendant’s obligation to pay the amounts sought by Plaintiff are secured by a vendor’s lien," which they now seek to establish and foreclose upon due to non-payment. They argue that this lien is critical for ensuring compliance with community standards and maintaining shared amenities.
In their filing, the association is seeking monetary relief within the jurisdictional limits of the court along with non-monetary relief. Specifically, they request damages as detailed in their exhibits, pre-judgment interest, reasonable attorneys’ fees for various stages of litigation including foreclosure and appeal, post-judgment interest, court costs, and foreclosure of the vendor’s lien on Steves' property. Furthermore, they ask for an order of sale with proceeds applied towards satisfying Steves' debt and execution against him for any remaining deficiency.
Additionally, should it come to pass that no other buyers emerge during such proceedings, they request permission for themselves or designated parties to purchase at said sale under terms laid out by law. They also seek writs necessary for possession transfer following any successful sale outcome—an indication perhaps reflective not only about recouping losses but also securing future compliance from other residents potentially watching closely how this case unfolds.
Representing Memorial Northwest Homeowners Association is Chris Archambault from Porter Law Firm based out Houston while presiding over this matter will be Judge Wanda Chambers handling Case ID: 2025-04806 within Court No:189th Judicial District located likewise inside Harris County's boundaries.