SRC-JBJ S.B. 166 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterS.B. 166
By: Carona
State Affairs
6/21/1999
Enrolled


DIGEST 

Currently, the Property Code requires a landlord to re-key the lock of a
dwelling before a new tenant moves in, based on a definition of "tenant
turnover date" that specifically mentions tenants.  However, a homeowner
who vacates a home and places the home for lease or rent is not required to
re-key the dwelling for a new tenant.  As a result, many homeowners do not
re-key the lock, although the law requires all other landlords to do so.
S.B. 166 will clarify the definition of "tenant turnover date" to require a
landlord to re-key the lock of a dwelling after all occupants, rather than
only tenants, have vacated the property. 

PURPOSE

As enrolled, S.B. 166 redefines "tenant turnover date" to require a
landlord to re-key the lock of a dwelling after all occupants have vacated
the property. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Subdivision (15), Section 92.151, Property Code, to
redefine "tenant turnover date" as the date a tenant moves into a dwelling
under a lease after all previous occupants, rather than tenants, have moved
out.   

SECTION 2.  Effective date:  September 1, 1999.

SECTION 3.  Emergency clause.