Texas HB3198 amends landlord screening criteria and liability for application fees.

Texas HB3198 amends the Texas Property Code to clarify tenant selection criteria for landlords, including criminal history, rental history, income, credit history, and completeness of application information. The bill requires landlords to provide a printed notice to applicants, allowing them to present evidence of inaccuracies in criminal history, rehabilitation, or other mitigating factors. Additionally, it establishes liability for landlords who fail to refund application fees or deposits in bad faith, with penalties including a $500 fine and reimbursement of attorney's fees.

Texas HB3198 amends landlord screening criteria and liability for application fees.

Texas HB3198 amends the Texas Property Code to clarify tenant selection criteria for landlords, including criminal history, rental history, income, credit history, and completeness of application information. The bill requires landlords to provide a printed notice to applicants, allowing them to present evidence of inaccuracies in criminal history, rehabilitation, or other mitigating factors. Additionally, it establishes liability for landlords who fail to refund application fees or deposits in bad faith, with penalties including a $500 fine and reimbursement of attorney's fees.