This document establishes its status as a legal entity. The articles state the basic identifying information about the association and are filed with the Secretary of State. They may include information about the initial Board of Directors and some basic rules.
This document is sometimes called "Certificate of Formation."
A constitution establishes the fundamental rules and principles that govern the property owners' association, defining the nature and extent of power, the relationship between the organization, and the rights of the homeowners.
Covenants, conditions, and restrictions, popularly referred to as “CC&Rs,” are the rules governing various aspects of life in a property owners' association. Texas law uses the term “restrictive covenants.”
Bylaws define how the association is run and managed.
They often contain the rules that govern meetings, voting, elections, Board of Directors, various committees, and keeping of records.
Bylaws may also say how the bylaws can be amended.