Texas House Bill HB1960

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to regulation of short-term rental units by municipalities; authorizing a civil penalty.

Impact

One significant aspect of Bill 1960 is that it allows municipalities flexibility in creating their own regulations concerning short-term rentals, including requiring annual inspections and designating emergency contacts for renters. However, it sets limits on more stringent regulation by preventing municipalities from prohibiting the use of properties as short-term rentals or imposing harsher penalties compared to other types of rentals. These mandates are designed to encourage compliance while also protecting local residents from potential disruptions caused by short-term rental activities.

Summary

House Bill 1960 is aimed at regulating short-term rental units across municipalities in Texas. It defines a 'short-term rental unit' as a dwelling rented for less than 30 consecutive days and includes provisions to ensure that municipalities can impose various requirements on these rental units. This includes the ability to prohibit certain activities associated with the rentals, such as illegal uses and rentals to convicted felons or those under 18 years of age. This bill intends to establish a framework of standardized expectations and compliance across different local governments.

Contention

Discussions surrounding HB 1960 raised concerns regarding the balance of power between local governments and property owners. Some stakeholders argue that the bill adequately protects homeowners' rights to utilize their properties, while others express concern that it undermines local governments' abilities to manage short-term rentals in ways best suited to their communities, particularly in areas with high rental demand. The structure of civil penalties for violations also stirred debate, as there are varying opinions on what constitutes an appropriate enforcement mechanism for compliance with the new regulations.