HB 230 amends the Texas Property Code to create new landlord obligations when a residential rental property becomes unusable because of a casualty loss caused by the landlord’s negligence or fault. If the landlord owns comparable rental property that is available, the landlord must allow the tenant to move into that unit for the rest of the lease term. If no comparable unit owned by the landlord is available, the landlord must help locate comparable housing and is responsible for the difference between the tenant’s current rent and the higher rent for the substitute premises for the remainder of the lease.
The bill also makes clear that these duties are additional to any other landlord duties or tenant remedies already available under the same subchapter. The new rule applies only to leases entered into or renewed on or after the bill’s effective date, and the act would take effect on the 91st day after the legislative session ends.
Impact
HB 230 would amend Section 92.054 of the Texas Property Code by adding new subsections governing landlord liability after a casualty loss caused by the landlord. It expands tenant protections in residential leases by requiring relocation options or rent-difference compensation when the premises are no longer usable due to the landlord’s negligence or fault. The bill affects landlords, residential tenants, and lease agreements entered into or renewed after the effective date, while preserving existing remedies under current landlord-tenant law.
Sentiment
No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of debate, support, or opposition in the available materials. Based on the text alone, the bill appears tenant-protective and aimed at addressing hardship caused by landlord-caused property damage, but the legislative sentiment cannot be reliably assessed from the record provided.
Contention
The bill’s likely points of contention would center on the scope of landlord responsibility and the financial burden of providing substitute housing or covering rent differentials after a casualty loss. Landlords may object to mandatory relocation obligations and open-ended liability tied to negligence or fault, while tenant advocates would likely support the added protections and compensation. Because no discussion transcripts are available, no specific member or stakeholder positions can be identified from the provided record.