Bill > HB798

This bill introduces comprehensive changes to residential tenant and landlord rights in Texas, focusing on several key areas. It modifies eviction procedures by requiring landlords to provide more detailed and specific notices before filing eviction suits, including a 10-day notice for rent defaults that allows tenants to cure the default and a 14-day notice to vacate. The bill also establishes new restrictions on how landlords can screen tenants' criminal histories, prohibiting inquiry into arrests that didn't result in convictions and limiting consideration of criminal convictions more than three years old. Landlords must now provide written notice explaining specific reasons for withdrawing a rental offer based on criminal history and allow tenants an opportunity to provide mitigating information. The legislation increases civil penalties for landlord retaliation, raising penalties from $500 to $2,000 in cases where landlords improperly penalize tenants for exercising their legal rights. Additional provisions address rental payment applications, mandatory service fees, late fees, and tenant remedies for property maintenance issues, including expanded rights to withhold rent or make repairs when landlords fail to address habitability concerns. The bill will apply only to new or renewed leases starting January 1, 2026, giving landlords and tenants time to adapt to the new requirements.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB798