Rep. Walle Files Legislation to Help Renters During Disaster Ahead of Special Session

HOUSTON, TEXAS — Ahead of the first-called special session of the 89th Legislature, Rep. Armando Walle filed House Bill 126, which would protect tenants displaced by disasters caused by landlord negligence by requiring landlords to secure comparable housing and cover added costs. 
Rep. Walle last introduced this legislation during the 88th Legislative Session as House Bill 1268. The bill was left pending in committee.

Representative Armando Walle (TX-140) issued the following statement:

“Today, I filed House Bill 126 for the first called special session to help communities like Kerr County and the Hill Country as they recover from the devastating floods. Texans are facing a severe affordable housing shortage, and when disaster strikes, families — especially those in extremely low-income households — are left even more vulnerable.

Currently, state law does little to protect tenants when their homes become unlivable due to a casualty loss caused by a landlord’s negligence. HB 126 would change that by requiring landlords to provide or help secure comparable housing and cover any increased costs for the remainder of a tenant’s lease.

This bill won’t solve every challenge families face after a disaster, but it’s a critical step. It’s a tool that would have helped countless Harris County families during our own times of recovery, and it can help ensure all Texans — no matter where they live — have a fair shot at rebuilding their lives when tragedy strikes.”