Texas House Bill HB3341

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to requirements for adding a dwelling unit that has individual unit metering to an electric service plan; imposing a civil penalty.

Impact

If enacted, HB3341 would substantially impact local rental practices by his requiring the clear and fair allocation of utility costs among multiple occupants. The bill mandates that owners maintain records of all utilities consumed and provides oversight through the regulatory commission. This aims to enhance transparency and accountability in billing practices while also protecting the rights of tenants against potential overcharges or unfair billing arrangements.

Summary

House Bill 3341 seeks to implement regulations regarding the addition of dwelling units with individual metering to electric service plans in Texas. The bill emphasizes the requirement for written consent from either the owner-occupant or all renting occupants before a dwelling unit can be added to the existing electric service plan. This initiative targets primarily apartment houses, single-family homes, and manufactured home rental communities, ensuring that all occupants are informed and consenting to any changes in their utility arrangements.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HB3341 pertains to the liabilities imposed on landlords for violations against the established rules of utility management. In the case of a breach, landlords could face significant penalties, including triple damages for overcharges and civil penalties equivalent to one month’s rent. Landlords may argue that such liabilities could lead to unintended financial burdens, while tenant advocacy groups support the bill as a necessary safeguard to protect tenants from exploitation in utility billing.