Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB851

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to repairs made pursuant to a tenant's notice of intent to repair and the refund of a tenant's security deposit.

Impact

The implications of SB851 extend beyond the immediate relationships between tenants and landlords. The requirement for repairs to be made by licensed contractors, particularly in municipalities with such regulations, could lead to heightened standards of maintenance and safety within rentals. Additionally, the amendments regarding the handling of security deposits could prevent landlords from unfairly withholding deposits, protecting tenants from potential financial loss. These changes may lead to enhanced trust in the rental market and could influence rental behaviors and agreements across Texas.

Summary

SB851 introduces amendments to the Texas Property Code concerning tenant rights and obligations of landlords specifically related to repairs following a tenant's notice of intent to repair and the handling of security deposits. The bill aims to ensure that repairs requested by tenants are carried out by independent contractors, which may indirectly enhance the quality of maintenance within rental properties, thereby improving tenant living conditions. It also delineates the process regarding the return of security deposits, establishing clearer guidelines for landlords and tenants alike.

Contention

Some potential points of contention surrounding SB851 could reflect concerns from landlord groups who may view the increased requirements on repairs and security deposits as burdensome. The bill implies an elevated operational standard that might necessitate additional administrative considerations for landlords managing multiple properties. There's also the question of how these changes might affect the rental market dynamics, potentially leading landlords to be more selective in tenant agreements or influencing rental pricing due to increased operational costs.

Companion Bills

TX HB2037

Identical Relating to repairs made pursuant to a residential or manufactured home tenant's notice of intent to repair and the provision of notice regarding a residential or manufactured home tenant's security deposit.

Previously Filed As

TX HB2037

Relating to repairs made pursuant to a residential or manufactured home tenant's notice of intent to repair and the provision of notice regarding a residential or manufactured home tenant's security deposit.

TX S3157

Creates a model form for tenants to notify landlord of intent to make repairs to their property and deduct costs from the rent.

TX HB1272

Tenant security deposits.

TX SB0022

Housing: landlord and tenants; return of security deposit by electronic transfer; allow. Amends sec. 9 of 1972 PA 348 (MCL 554.609).

TX HB1249

Tenant Security Deposit Protections

TX HB2908

Relating to a tenant's receipt of a security deposit refund.

TX HF4835

Tenants provided with a right to repair violations in a residential rental unit, notice required, and tenant permitted to make deductions from rent.

TX HB304

Revise security deposit laws to provide tenants more information and time

TX H8113

Provides that landlords would pay interest on security deposits in residential landlord-tenant matters.

TX S2973

Provides that landlords would pay interest on security deposits in residential landlord-tenant matters.

Similar Bills

CA AB414

Residential tenancies: return of security.

CA AB2609

Tenancy: additional rents and securities: common household pets.

AZ SB1170

Rental payments; credit reporting.

AZ HB2647

Rental payments; credit reporting

CO HB1249

Tenant Security Deposit Protections

NJ S1842

Requires distribution of certain eviction prevention information.

NJ A1078

Requires distribution of certain eviction prevention information.

TX HB5073

Relating to a landlord's duty to provide an accounting statement to a residential tenant.