A new law, Texas Senate Bill 17 (SB 17) and codified in Chapter 5, Subchapter H of the Texas Property Code, took effect on September 1, prohibiting certain non-citizens and non-permanent residents from designated “hostile” countries from purchasing real property in Texas. While the law is broad, its impact has been most immediately felt by…
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When a landlord seeks to evict a tenant in Texas who does not have a formal written lease (i.e., an oral rental agreement), the required notice period depends entirely on the reason for the eviction. A common misconception, even among some judges, is that a 30-day notice is always required for an oral or month-to-month…
When dealing with rental properties, a written lease agreement is always the safest practice for both landlords and tenants. However, the question often arises: are oral leases actually valid in Texas? The answer is generally, “Yes, but with limitations.” The Statute of Frauds Under Texas law, specifically the Statute of Frauds, an oral lease is…
In the current digital age, property owners are understandably concerned about negative online reviews. This has led some landlords and property managers to consider including a non-disparagement clause in their lease agreements, essentially trying to prevent tenants from leaving bad reviews. However, this practice is largely prohibited by federal law. The Consumer Review Fairness Act…
The rental market in Texas is seeing a significant demographic shift, with retired seniors increasingly opting to rent rather than own a home. This trend is especially pronounced in the state’s major metropolitan areas, reflecting a broader migration pattern across the Sunbelt. Senior Rental Growth is Skyrocketing Major Texas cities are experiencing massive growth in…