The bill amends the Texas Property Code to enhance the screening process for landlords evaluating applicants for residential tenancies. It requires landlords to provide printed notice of their tenant selection criteria and the specific grounds for potential application denial, which includes factors such as criminal history, rental history, income, credit history, and the accuracy of information provided. Additionally, the bill introduces a new requirement for landlords to inform applicants that they can present evidence of inaccuracies in their criminal history, demonstrate rehabilitation, or provide other mitigating factors.

Furthermore, the bill establishes liability for landlords who fail to comply with these provisions. Specifically, it states that landlords acting in bad faith and failing to refund application fees or deposits may be liable for $100, three times the amount wrongfully retained, and reasonable attorney's fees. Additionally, landlords who violate the new screening requirements will face a liability of $500 plus reasonable attorney's fees. The changes will apply only to rental applications submitted on or after the effective date of September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Property Code 92.3515, Property Code 92.354 (Property Code 92)