Texas House Bill HB3501

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/16/09

Caption

Relating to the authority of owners and managers of apartment houses to assess a service charge for the submetering of water and wastewater services.

Impact

The changes introduced by HB3501 directly affect the Water Code, particularly regarding the financial responsibilities of tenants in multifamily housing scenarios. By formalizing a service charge for water submetering, the bill aims to streamline costs associated with water usage and ensure that property owners can recover their expenses more effectively. This shift is anticipated to enhance the financial viability of managing water resources in apartment complexes, thereby possibly encouraging more efficient water use practices among residents.

Summary

House Bill 3501 aims to grant owners and managers of apartment houses and manufactured home rental communities the authority to impose a service charge for submetering water and wastewater services. Specifically, the bill allows these owners and managers to charge up to nine percent of the costs related to submetering for each rental or dwelling unit. This development has significant implications for how water services are managed within rental settings and seeks to establish a more structured approach to the allocation of water costs among tenants.

Contention

There may be some contention surrounding this bill, particularly regarding its impact on rental costs for tenants. While proponents may argue that this will lead to fairer cost distribution based on actual water usage, critics might express concerns that additional service charges could disproportionately burden lower-income renters. The balance between the rights of property owners to recoup costs and the financial implications for tenants will likely be a topic of discussion as the bill progresses through the legislative process.