By: Leach H.B. No. 4015
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to liability for the collection of late fees by a landowner
or landlord.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 75, Civil Practices and Remedies Code,
is amended by adding Section 75.008 to read as follows:
Sec. 75.008. LIABILITY LIMITED FOR LATE FEES COLLECTED BY A
LANDLORD.
(a) A landlord is not liable for damages related to the
collection of a late fee from a tenant for the tenant's failure to
pay any portion of delinquent rent unless the late fee exceeds the
greater of $150 or ten percent of the amount of rent for the rental
pay period under the lease.
(b) The calculation of the fee under subsection (a) shall
include any direct or indirect costs or damages associated with the
landlord's collection of delinquent rent.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2019.