1-1                                   AN ACT
 1-2     relating to charges assessed by a landlord under a commercial
 1-3     lease.
 1-4           BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
 1-5           SECTION 1. Chapter 93, Property Code, is amended by adding
 1-6     Section 93.004 to read as follows:
 1-7           Sec. 93.004.  ASSESSMENT OF CHARGES. (a)  A landlord may not
 1-8     assess a charge, excluding a charge for rent or physical damage to
 1-9     the leased premises, to a tenant unless the amount of the charge or
1-10     the method by which the charge is to be computed is stated in the
1-11     lease, an exhibit or attachment that is part of the lease, or an
1-12     amendment to the lease.
1-13           (b)  This section does not affect a landlord's right to
1-14     assess a charge or obtain a remedy allowed under a statute or
1-15     common law.
1-16           SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2001, and
1-17     applies only to a commercial lease entered into or renewed or
1-18     extended on or after that date.
         _______________________________     _______________________________
             President of the Senate              Speaker of the House
               I certify that H.B. No. 2186 was passed by the House on May
         10, 2001, by a non-record vote.
                                             _______________________________
                                                 Chief Clerk of the House
               I certify that H.B. No. 2186 was passed by the Senate on May
         22, 2001, by the following vote:  Yeas 30, Nays 0, 1 present, not
         voting.
                                             _______________________________
                                                 Secretary of the Senate
         APPROVED:  __________________________
                              Date
                    __________________________
                            Governor