2020 - Texas Landlord-Tenant Changes

There were only a few minor changes in Texas Landlord-Tenant laws in the beginning of 2020. 

Quiet Enjoyment and Landlord's Right to Access

Parking Permits:

This provision is new in 2020 for the Texas residential lease and is meant for landlords who issue their tenants parking permits. The provision states that any parking permits issued must be issued for the entire time of the lease from the start date to end date, and further stipulates that the landlord cannot suspend the parking permit any sooner than the end date of the lease or when the tenant's right of possession of the property ends. 

Assignment, Sublease, and Release

Termination by Tenant:

In 2020, a new stipulation was added that the tenant's agreement is terminated if the tenant is a sole occupant and dies before expiration of the lease agreement. 

Just for the record, as in previous years, the tenant is still permitted to terminate the Texas residential lease with appropriate notice if:

1. the tenant is a victim of domestic violence;
2. the tenant is a victim (or parent or guardian of a victim) of sexual assault;
3. the tenant is a military service member (or a dependent of a service member);
4. the premisses suffers a casualty loss;
5. the landlord violates the lease agreement;
6. the landlord fails to install a smoke alarm;
7. the landlord cuts off utilities obligated to the paid by the landlord in the lease agreement.