Texas House Bill HB4243

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 3/10/25

Caption

Relating to removal of certain eviction case information from credit reports.

Impact

The passage of HB 4243 is significant as it directly modifies how eviction records affect tenants' credit scores and can potentially improve their housing opportunities. By ensuring that eligible tenants can have eviction cases removed from their credit reports, the bill seeks to alleviate the long-term consequences of eviction, which can hinder access to housing and financial stability. This initiative reflects a growing understanding of the impact of housing instability on individuals and families.

Summary

House Bill 4243 proposes to amend Texas property law by allowing certain eviction case information to be removed from tenants' credit reports. Specifically, the bill outlines the circumstances under which a residential tenant may request the removal of such information, particularly when they have settled all debts related to the eviction and established a new lease with the same landlord. The intent is to support individuals who have faced eviction but have since remedied their rental situation, facilitating their ability to secure future housing.

Contention

While proponents of HB 4243 argue that removing eviction history from credit reports provides a second chance for tenants who have resolved their rental issues, there may be concerns from landlords and property managers regarding the potential risks associated with increased difficulty in screening tenants. Critics might argue that such a measure could lead to challenges in verifying a tenant's rental history, thus complicating the rental process for landlords who aim to minimize risk. The discussion around this bill could involve a balancing act between protecting tenants' rights and addressing landlords' needs for thorough tenant assessments.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Property Code

• Chapter 24. Forcible Entry And Detainer
  • Section: New Section