The bill, H.B. No. 230, amends Section 92.054 of the Property Code to establish a landlord's liability to tenants for casualty losses to residential rental premises caused by the landlord's negligence or fault. It introduces new provisions that require landlords to take specific actions if the rental premises become unusable due to such losses. If comparable rental premises owned by the landlord are available, the landlord must allow the tenant to move into those premises for the remainder of their lease. If no comparable premises are available, the landlord is required to locate suitable alternatives and is liable for any rent difference that exceeds the tenant's current lease amount.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that the new duties imposed on landlords are supplementary to existing landlord responsibilities and tenant remedies under the same subchapter. The provisions of this bill will apply only to leases that are entered into or renewed after the bill's effective date, which is set for 91 days following the end of the legislative session.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Property Code 92.054 (Property Code 92)