Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2037

Filed
1/23/25  
Out of House Committee
4/17/25  
Voted on by House
5/2/25  
Out of Senate Committee
5/25/25  
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

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.

Impact

The implementation of HB2037 will affect state laws related to tenant-landlord communication and repair responsibilities. By allowing e-mail communications for notices, the bill modernizes the process, potentially streamlining interactions and fostering quicker response times. It also stipulates that for any repairs requested by tenants, landlords must use licensed professionals, thus enhancing the quality of repairs and safety for tenants living in residences, including manufactured homes.

Summary

House Bill 2037 aims to update various provisions regarding the repairs made at the request of tenants in residential or manufactured home situations. The bill specifies that repairs must be carried out by independent entities, ensuring that tenants are not able to conduct repairs themselves or through family members, which could lead to conflicts of interest. By redesigning the process by which tenants communicate repair notices, the bill emphasizes the significance of having licensed professionals handle repairs, particularly those that are considered structurally significant.

Sentiment

General sentiment around HB2037 appears to be supportive, primarily from tenant advocacy groups who appreciate the focus on tenant rights and the push for quality repairs by qualified personnel. Nonetheless, there may be concerns regarding how this regulation requires landlords to adapt to new communications protocols, particularly those who may be accustomed to traditional methods of notification and repair processes.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from the potential additional costs for landlords associated with hiring licensed contractors for repairs which previously might have been performed informally. Critics may argue this could lead to increased rents or a reduction in the number of units available for lease if landlords find the costs burdensome. Additionally, the bill's reliance on e-mails for communications might raise concerns regarding access for tenants without reliable internet or those less comfortable with technology.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Property Code

  • Chapter 92. Residential Tenancies
    • Section: 0561
    • Section: 107
    • Section: 109
    • Section: 0561
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 0561
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 0561
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 0561
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 0561
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 0561
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 94. Manufactured Home Tenancies
    • Section: 107
    • Section: 109
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 157
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 157

Companion Bills

TX SB851

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

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.