The bill amends various sections of the Texas Property Code to clarify the processes related to tenant repairs and the return of security deposits. It specifies that repairs made following a tenant's notice of intent must be conducted by an independent company, contractor, or repairman, and if the municipality requires licensing, the repair entity must be licensed accordingly. Additionally, it prohibits repairs from being made by the tenant or their immediate family, employer, or any company in which the tenant has an ownership interest. The bill also emphasizes that repairs to foundational or load-bearing elements are not permitted if the building contains multiple dwelling units.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the requirements for tenants to provide their forwarding address to landlords for the return of security deposits. It allows tenants to fulfill this requirement through various means, including hand delivery or different forms of mail, and ensures that tenants do not lose their right to a refund or a description of damages if they fail to provide a forwarding address. The bill establishes that landlords are presumed to have acted in bad faith if they do not return the security deposit or provide a written description of deductions within 30 days after the tenant has surrendered possession and provided their forwarding address. The changes will apply only to leases entered into or renewed after the bill's effective date of September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Property Code 92.0561, Property Code 92.107, Property Code 92.109, Property Code 94.107, Property Code 94.109, Property Code 94.157 (Property Code 92, Property Code 94)