Texas House Bill HB2403

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to a landlord's duty to provide a copy of a lease to certain residential tenants.

Impact

The impact of HB2403 is significant as it imposes a duty on landlords to ensure transparency and accessibility of lease agreements. The changes mean that, moving forward, new and renewed leases are subject to these rules, thereby facilitating better communication between landlords and tenants. It provides a framework that tenants can rely upon to secure their rights when it comes to housing agreements.

Summary

House Bill 2403 aims to enhance the obligations of landlords regarding the provision of lease copies to tenants. This legislation amends the Texas Property Code, specifically Section 92.024(b), stipulating that landlords must provide a complete copy of the lease within three business days upon receiving a written request and a $10 fee from the tenant. This requirement ensures that tenants have timely access to their rental agreements, which is critical for understanding their rights and responsibilities under the lease.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding this bill may include the potential financial implications for landlords. While the bill introduces a modest fee for providing lease copies, some landlords might view this as an additional burden. There could also be concerns regarding enforcement, as landlords might resist complying with the new rules, leading to disputes and confusion regarding tenant rights. The need to balance landlord responsibilities with tenant protections will be crucial in discussions surrounding the implementation of this bill.