During the COVID-19 pandemic, many states have implemented measures to protect tenants from eviction and rent increases. In Texas, a statewide moratorium on evictions and a ban on late fees were in place until September 1, 2021. However, these protections have now expired, and landlords are once again allowed to raise rent. If you are a Texas renter, it is important to be aware of your rights and responsibilities during this time. It is also a good idea to communicate with your landlord to see if you can come to an agreement on a rent increase that is fair to both parties.
Texas Renters’ Rights During the Pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many renters in Texas found themselves facing financial hardship. To help protect renters, the state enacted a series of laws and regulations that limited landlords’ ability to raise rent and evict tenants.
Eviction Moratorium
One of the most important protections for renters during the pandemic was the eviction moratorium. This moratorium prohibited landlords from evicting tenants for nonpayment of rent if the tenant could demonstrate that they were experiencing financial hardship due to the pandemic.
The eviction moratorium was in effect from April 2020 to March 2021. During this time, landlords were only allowed to evict tenants for “good cause,” such as causing damage to the property or engaging in criminal activity.
Rent Increases
In addition to the eviction moratorium, Texas also enacted a law that limited landlords’ ability to raise rent during the pandemic. This law prohibited landlords from raising rent by more than 10% per year.
The rent increase limit was in effect from September 2020 to September 2021. After this date, landlords were allowed to raise rent by up to 10% per year.
Other Protections
In addition to the eviction moratorium and the rent increase limit, Texas also enacted a number of other protections for renters during the pandemic. These protections included:
- Prohibiting landlords from charging late fees or penalties for nonpayment of rent
- Requiring landlords to provide tenants with a written notice of any rent increase
- Allowing tenants to break their lease early if they could demonstrate that they were experiencing financial hardship due to the pandemic
Conclusion
The COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating impact on many renters in Texas. However, the state’s eviction moratorium, rent increase limit, and other protections helped to prevent a wave of evictions and homelessness.
Table of Texas Renters’ Rights During the Pandemic
| Protection | Effective Dates |
|---|---|
| Eviction Moratorium | April 2020 – March 2021 |
| Rent Increase Limit | September 2020 – September 2021 |
| Prohibition on Late Fees and Penalties | April 2020 – September 2021 |
| Requirement for Written Notice of Rent Increase | September 2020 – Present |
| Right to Break Lease Early for Financial Hardship | April 2020 – March 2021 |
Eviction Moratorium in Texas
The federal and state eviction moratoriums, which prohibited landlords from evicting tenants for nonpayment of rent during the COVID-19 pandemic, have expired. This means that landlords can now raise rent and evict tenants for nonpayment of rent, subject to certain conditions.
Landlord’s Right to Raise Rent
- Landlords in Texas have the right to raise rent during the pandemic, provided that they provide proper notice to their tenants.
- The amount of notice that a landlord must provide varies depending on the type of tenancy. For example, a landlord must provide a 30-day notice to raise rent for a month-to-month tenancy, and a 60-day notice to raise rent for a year-to-year tenancy.
- Landlords must also provide tenants with a copy of the Texas Property Code Chapter 92, which contains the rules governing landlord-tenant relationships.
Tenant’s Rights
- Tenants have the right to challenge a rent increase by filing a complaint with the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA).
- TDHCA can investigate the complaint and order the landlord to reduce the rent increase or take other corrective action.
Conclusion
Landlords in Texas have the right to raise rent during the pandemic, provided that they provide proper notice to their tenants. Tenants have the right to challenge a rent increase by filing a complaint with the TDHCA.
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| March 27, 2020 | Federal eviction moratorium goes into effect. |
| August 26, 2020 | Federal eviction moratorium expires. |
| September 1, 2020 | Texas eviction moratorium goes into effect. |
| December 26, 2020 | Texas eviction moratorium expires. |
Rent Increases During COVID-19 in Texas
With the uncertainty brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, many Texans are struggling financially. As a result, there have been concerns about the ability of landlords to raise rent during this challenging time. In this article, we’ll explore the current situation regarding rent increases in Texas during the pandemic and provide helpful information for tenants and landlords.
Tenant Protections Due to COVID-19 in Texas
- Moratorium on Evictions: Under the CARES Act, there was a moratorium on evictions for residential properties with federally backed mortgages. However, this protection expired on July 25, 2020.
- Local Protections: Some cities and counties in Texas may have additional protections in place for tenants. For example, Austin and Harris County have ordinances that restrict rent increases and evictions during the pandemic.
Landlord’s Right to Increase Rent
- General Rights of Landlords: In Texas, landlords have the right to increase rent as long as they follow state and local laws and the terms of the lease agreement.
- Lease Agreement: The lease agreement usually specifies the terms of rent increases, including the amount and timing of increases.
- Notice Requirements: Landlords must provide tenants with proper notice before increasing rent. The notice period varies depending on the terms of the lease and state and local laws.
Negotiating Rent Increases During the Pandemic
- Communication: Landlords and tenants are encouraged to communicate openly and respectfully about rent increases during the pandemic.
- Exploring Options: Tenants can discuss concerns about rent increases with their landlord, explore options for payment plans, or seek assistance from local organizations.
- Legal Protections: Tenants should be aware of their legal rights and protections against excessive rent increases or wrongful evictions.
| Notice Period | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 30 days | No more than 10% | Once per year |
| 60 days | No limit | Once per year |
Conclusion
The issue of rent increases during the COVID-19 pandemic is complex with both landlord and tenant rights to consider. It’s important for both parties to be aware of their rights and responsibilities and to communicate openly to find mutually acceptable solutions. In cases where disputes arise, it’s advisable to seek legal advice or assistance from relevant authorities.
Tenant Protections in Texas
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the state of Texas has implemented several measures to protect renters from eviction and rent increases. These protections are designed to help struggling tenants remain in their homes and avoid homelessness.
Eviction Moratorium
In March 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a nationwide eviction moratorium that prevented landlords from evicting tenants for non-payment of rent. This moratorium was extended several times and is currently set to expire on June 30, 2021.
To qualify for the CDC eviction moratorium, tenants must meet the following criteria:
- The tenant must have an annual income below $99,000 (for individuals) or $198,000 (for joint filers).
- The tenant must have experienced a substantial loss of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The tenant must be unable to pay rent without severe financial hardship.
- The tenant must make a reasonable effort to make partial rent payments.
Tenants who meet these criteria can fill out a declaration form to submit to their landlord. The declaration form can be found on the CDC’s website.
Rent Increases
The Texas Property Code prohibits landlords from increasing rent during a declared disaster. This prohibition applies to both residential and commercial properties.
The current disaster declaration in Texas is set to expire on June 30, 2021. However, the governor may extend the disaster declaration if the pandemic continues to pose a threat to public health.
If a landlord attempts to increase rent during the disaster declaration, the tenant can file a complaint with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). The TDLR can investigate the complaint and take action against the landlord, including imposing fines or ordering the landlord to refund the rent increase.
Other Protections
In addition to the eviction moratorium and rent increase prohibition, the state of Texas has also implemented other protections for tenants during the pandemic. These protections include:
- Suspending late fees and penalties for non-payment of rent.
- Prohibiting landlords from charging excessive fees for cleaning or disinfecting units.
- Requiring landlords to provide reasonable accommodations for tenants who are experiencing financial hardship due to the pandemic.
These protections are designed to help tenants stay in their homes and avoid homelessness during the pandemic.
| Protection | Description |
|---|---|
| Eviction Moratorium | Landlords cannot evict tenants for non-payment of rent during the pandemic. |
| Rent Increases | Landlords cannot increase rent during a declared disaster. |
| Late Fees and Penalties | Late fees and penalties for non-payment of rent are suspended during the pandemic. |
| Excessive Cleaning Fees | Landlords cannot charge excessive fees for cleaning or disinfecting units. |
| Reasonable Accommodations | Landlords must provide reasonable accommodations for tenants who are experiencing financial hardship due to the pandemic. |
Hey there, folks! I hope this article has shed some light on the sticky situation of rent increases during this crazy pandemic in Texas. I know it’s a lot to take in, so if you need to revisit this info later, just swing by again. Remember, knowledge is power, and staying informed is the key to navigating these unprecedented times. Until next time, stay safe, stay strong, and keep on truckin’!