Bill > SB340

This bill modifies Texas property law to enhance transparency and fairness in the residential rental application process. The bill requires landlords to provide applicants with printed notice of their tenant selection criteria before collecting an application fee, detailing the potential grounds for denial such as criminal history, rental history, income, credit history, or incomplete application information. Importantly, the notice must now explicitly inform applicants that they may provide evidence to challenge or mitigate negative aspects of their background, such as inaccuracies in criminal records, proof of rehabilitation, or other mitigating factors. The bill also strengthens accountability by imposing financial penalties on landlords who violate these requirements: $500 plus reasonable attorney's fees for failing to provide the required notice, in addition to existing penalties for improperly handling application fees. These new provisions will apply only to rental applications submitted on or after September 1, 2025, giving landlords time to adjust their practices to comply with the new requirements. The goal of the bill appears to be providing more transparency and opportunities for applicants to explain potential barriers to renting, thereby potentially reducing discrimination and giving applicants a fairer chance at securing housing.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB340