Texas House Bill HB2515

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to short-term rental units that violate municipal ordinances.

Impact

The bill's impact on state laws focuses on regulating the activities surrounding short-term rental units, specifically addressing how local ordinances are enforced. The legislation mandates that upon receiving notice of a third violation within a year, listing services must remove the offending rental unit from their platforms for a minimum of 30 days. This change aims to ensure compliance with local laws and offers a measure of accountability for both property owners and listing services.

Summary

House Bill 2515 proposes amendments relating to short-term rental units that violate municipal ordinances in Texas. The bill defines 'short-term rental unit' as any residence rented for a fee for less than 30 consecutive days. It also outlines the role of short-term rental unit listing services, which facilitate rentals typically via online platforms. The bill introduces mechanisms for municipalities to notify listing services about violations, thus empowering local authorities to take action against non-compliant rental units.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HB 2515 involves the balance of power between local municipalities and state regulations. Proponents argue that this bill supports local governance by allowing municipalities to enforce their rules effectively, thereby reducing disturbances to neighborhoods caused by non-compliant short-term rentals. On the other hand, critics may view the bill as a potential overreach that complicates the rental market, as it imposes stricter controls on property owners and listing services, which may be detrimental to the availability of short-term rental options.