New Texas Laws Effective September 1, 2025

Several new laws passed in the recent Texas legislative session will take effect on September 1, 2025. Below are highlights most relevant to the rental housing industry, along with links to resources for TAA members. 

Key Laws Impacting Rental Housing Operations Effective 9/1/25:

SB 17 – Foreign Ownership & Leasing:

• Restricts foreign property ownership and limits leases for unlawfully present persons from China, North Korea, Iran, and Russia to terms of less than one year (364 days or less).
• TAA has updated its Rental Application to include an SB 17 provision.
• Learn more in TAA's FAQs on SB 17.

SB 1333 – Criminal Squatting: 

• Allows local sheriff or constable to remove persons who unlawfully enter a dwelling and remain without the owner’s consent
• Creates a criminal offense for presenting a false, fraudulent or fictitious document purporting to be a lease agreement
• Creates a criminal offense for leasing residential property to another person which the person does not have legal title or authority to rent
• If you missed the webinar on SB 38 (Recorded SESSION 1: Legislative Recap & Legal Hypotheticals), you can watch the recording on the TAA Learning Hub.

HB 47 – Lease Terminations for Sexual Assault Victims:

• Expands existing protections to allow victims of sexual assault to terminate a lease regardless of where the incident occurs. Documentation requirements and the six-month timeframe remain in place.

HB 2037 – Repairs & Remedies; Security Deposits:

• Repairs made under a tenant’s notice must be completed by independent contractors licensed in accordance with local ordinances.
• Email is now an allowed method of communication regarding security deposits, provided it has been previously used by both parties.

SB 1283 – Senior Retirement Community Safety Requirements:

• Applies to properties qualifying for elderly exemptions under the Texas Fair Housing Act which have 20+ units and provide common amenities.
• Requires background checks for all employees, disclosure of whether it requires vendors to conduct background checks for their employees, and development of a community safety plan to be posted conspicuously onsite.
• Provides immunity from criminal or civil liability for compliance with the statute.

SB 2349 – Floodplain Disclosure Requirements:

• Removes floodplain disclosure for lease-back situations or lease terms under 30 days. Allows disclosure either by separate addendum or inclusion in lease documents.

SB 140 – Text Messaging Restrictions:

• Clarifies “telephone solicitation” includes SMS, MMS, and other digital messages.
• Requires registration with the Secretary of State, a $200 fee, and a $10,000 bond.
• Exemptions for current/former customers (2+ years under same name) and other limited entities.
• Violations subject to lawsuits under the DTPA, with damages of $500–$5,000 per message plus attorney’s fees.
• Prior express consent as required is included in a provision in the TAA Lease.