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Big changes just hit the Texas rental market—and whether you're a landlord or a tenant, it’s important to understand how these new laws could affect you. From eviction procedures to HOA regulations, the latest updates are designed to streamline processes, expand housing access, and ensure fairness across the board.
Here’s what you need to know.
Justice Courts Can Now Handle Bigger Eviction Cases
Previously, eviction cases handled in Justice of the Peace courts were capped at lower dollar amounts. That limit has now been raised to include claims over $10,000. For landlords, this means larger disputes can be resolved locally without the cost or delays of higher courts.
What it means for you:
Faster resolutions, fewer legal headaches, and more accessible justice at the community level.
HOAs Can’t Block Section 8 Anymore
In a big win for housing equity, HOAs are now prohibited from restricting landlords who accept Section 8 housing vouchers. This law levels the playing field and gives more tenants access to rental opportunities, regardless of how they pay.
Why this matters:
It opens doors for tenants and protects landlords’ rights to participate in housing assistance programs.
Eviction Process Gets a Speed Boost
Another key update is the removal of some documentation requirements during the eviction process. This helps landlords act more quickly in cases of non-payment or lease violations.
Bottom line:
Landlords can move through the eviction process with fewer delays, especially important during financially challenging times.
Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Rules Just Got Tighter
To prevent misuse, Texas has introduced more specific regulations around emotional support animal claims. The changes aim to preserve fair housing protections while also cracking down on fraudulent ESA requests.
Why it matters:
This update strikes a better balance between supporting tenants with legitimate needs and protecting property owners from system abuse.
HOA Fines Are Now Capped
If you've ever faced a surprisingly steep HOA fine, this one’s for you. A new law places limits on how much HOAs can fine property owners, reducing excessive penalties and encouraging more transparent communication between associations and landlords.
Landlord win:
More fairness and fewer surprise charges from your HOA.
Easier Appeals for Eviction Cases Under $10,000
The appeals process has also been simplified for eviction cases involving smaller dollar amounts. This change aims to ease the burden on the court system and help landlords resolve disputes more efficiently.
Quick takeaway:
Less red tape, faster legal clarity.
Staying Educated = Staying Compliant
With all these changes, one thing’s clear: landlord education is more important than ever. Knowing your rights—and your responsibilities—helps you avoid legal missteps and maintain good relationships with tenants.
If you’re managing property in Texas, make it a habit to keep up with policy updates and lean into resources that support legal compliance.
New Rules, Better Rentals
Texas real estate law just changed—are you ready?
At Navigate Property Management, we help landlords stay compliant, informed, and ahead of the curve. Whether it’s updating leases or handling tenant disputes, we’ve got your back.
Let’s connect and navigate these new laws together—so your rentals run smoother, safer, and smarter.
