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


Senate Research Center   S.B. 166
76R3676 MLS-FBy: Carona
State Affairs
2/8/1999
As Filed


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 would 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 proposed, 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 new 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.