H.B. No. 1214 introduces a new provision in the Texas Property Code that mandates landlords to consider education-related income when evaluating rental applications. Specifically, the bill adds Section 92.027, which requires landlords to include a designated space on rental applications for applicants to disclose their education-related income, such as grants, scholarships, and federal student loans. Furthermore, landlords must factor this education-related income into their assessment of the applicant's current income. If a landlord fails to comply with this requirement, they may be liable for a penalty that includes a $100 fine, triple the amount of any application fee or deposit, and the applicant's reasonable attorney's fees.

Additionally, the bill amends Section 92.3515(a) to specify that when providing a rental application, landlords must inform applicants about the criteria for tenant selection, which now explicitly includes education-related income as part of the current income assessment. The changes will only apply to rental applications given to applicants on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025. Applications submitted before this date will be governed by the previous law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Property Code 92.3515 (Property Code 92)