S.B. No. 882 is a comprehensive bill aimed at enhancing the rights of residential tenants and clarifying the responsibilities of landlords in Texas, particularly in relation to eviction processes and tenant protections. Key provisions include a requirement for landlords to provide a 10-day written notice to tenants who default on rent payments, followed by a 14-day notice to vacate before filing for eviction. The bill also introduces new sections that affirm tenants' rights to cure defaults prior to the execution of a writ of possession and mandates that eviction case information be accessible under specific conditions. Additionally, it establishes penalties for violations, including exemplary damages for unauthorized disclosure of eviction information, and protects tenants from discrimination based on eviction cases filed during a declared state of disaster.

The legislation further amends the Property Code to strengthen tenant protections, particularly regarding criminal record screening and landlord retaliation. It prohibits landlords from inquiring about arrests that did not lead to convictions and limits the consideration of criminal history in tenant screening. The bill also expands the actions tenants can take without fear of retaliation, such as participating in tenant organizations, and clarifies that landlords cannot retaliate against tenants for exercising their rights. Overall, S.B. No. 882 seeks to create a more equitable framework for landlord-tenant relationships, ensuring greater security and fairness for tenants in rental agreements and eviction proceedings.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Property Code 24.005, Property Code 92.0081, Property Code 92.011, Property Code 92.019, Property Code 92.052, Property Code 92.0563, Property Code 92.056, Property Code 92.0561, Property Code 92.331, Property Code 92.333, Property Code 92.351, Property Code 92.3515, Property Code 92.354, Property Code 94.251 (Property Code 24, Property Code 92, Property Code 94)