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. The bill amends Section 24.005 of the Property Code to require landlords to provide a 10-day written notice to tenants who default on rent, followed by a 14-day notice to vacate before filing for eviction. It also establishes a tenant's right to cure defaults prior to the execution of a writ of possession and ensures access to eviction case information. Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for limiting the dissemination of eviction case information and imposes civil penalties for violations, particularly to protect tenants from discrimination based on eviction history during emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Further amendments include prohibiting landlords from refusing to rent to individuals with eviction cases filed during a state of disaster, mandating the application of received payments to unpaid rent first, and clarifying that a tenant's arrest or criminal charges do not constitute a lease default. The bill also sets stricter requirements for landlord entry into rental properties, allows tenants to terminate leases due to casualty losses, and establishes guidelines for notice delivery and refund processes. It enhances tenant protections against retaliation for exercising their rights and introduces regulations regarding criminal record screening, ensuring fair treatment in rental agreements. Overall, the bill seeks to create a more equitable rental environment by reinforcing tenant rights and responsibilities.

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 94, Property Code 92, Property Code 24)