Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas House Bill HB3490

Caption

Relating to the authority of an owner of residential rental property on which a tenant has defaulted on the obligation to pay rent during the COVID-19 pandemic to pay the ad valorem taxes imposed on the property in installments.

Impact

By enabling installment payments, the bill aims to prevent financial distress among landlords that could arise from sudden tax liabilities while they are unable to collect rent from tenants. The legislation affects properties with fewer than five living units and applies to those leased to tenants who have defaulted due to the pandemic. Property owners will have the option to pay their taxes in twelve or eighteen equal installments, contingent upon providing suitable notice and an affidavit regarding the tenants' situation to the taxing authority.

Summary

House Bill 3490 seeks to provide relief for landlords of residential rental properties whose tenants have defaulted on rent payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill allows property owners to pay the ad valorem taxes on their properties in installments, specifically aimed at those properties that are actively leased to tenants affected by the pandemic and unable to be evicted due to existing local, state, or federal orders. This relief mechanism is introduced to help alleviate the financial burden on landlords during a difficult economic period caused by the pandemic.

Contention

While the bill provides a temporary relief mechanism for landlords, it highlights broader discussions about the implications of pandemic regulations on rental properties. Opponents might argue that it could inadvertently create a financial burden on local governments that rely on timely tax payments for essential services. Moreover, concerns may arise over the potential misuse of the bill by landlords who do not genuinely need the relief but may seek to capitalize on the provisions. Appropriate safeguards and guidelines are vital to ensure that assistance is directed toward genuinely affected parties while deterring any possible abuses.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB522

Relating to the authority of an owner of certain residential real property to pay the ad valorem taxes imposed on the property in installments.

TX HB4890

Relating to installment payments of ad valorem taxes.

TX HB4512

Relating to the entitlement of a property owner to receive a discount for making an early payment of the ad valorem taxes on the owner's property.

TX HB1127

Relating to the payment in installments of ad valorem taxes on a residence homestead.

TX HB4113

Relating to installment payments of ad valorem taxes imposed on residence homesteads.

TX HB1244

Relating to the authority of the owner of a residence homestead to receive a discount for making an early payment of the ad valorem taxes on the homestead.

TX HB1566

Relating to the ad valorem taxation of residential real property.

TX HB2516

Relating to certain rights and duties of residential tenants and landlords.

TX HB4646

Relating to the payment of ad valorem taxes in installments.

TX HB3336

Relating to a limitation on increases in the appraised value of commercial real property and single-family rental property for ad valorem tax purposes.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.