Advocating for a Stronger Rental Housing Industry in Texas.
As the only organization representing all aspects of the industry with a full-time presence at the Texas Capitol, TAA ensures the industry’s voice is heard on legislative and regulatory issues that impact property owners, developers, builders, and managers.
TAA’s advocacy supports both the industry and its residents by collaborating with stakeholders—including government agencies, resident groups, and advocacy organizations—to address challenges and drive consensus-based solutions.
Key achievements include establishing safety standards for residential housing, supporting affordable housing initiatives, and championing free-market policies to reform property tax administration. TAA also advocates for voluntary participation in government assistance programs and has led efforts to improve Texas’s civil justice system through tort reform.
TAA advocacy has strengthened Texas’s rental housing industry by promoting growth, innovation, and sustainability. It continues to support a thriving environment for residents, businesses, and communities across the state.
Top Legislative Priorities
Evictions/Squatters
- Evictions should be consistent, efficient, and straightforward to resolve legal claims promptly.
- Evictions are a last resort and necessary to regain possession when rent is unpaid, or lease terms are violated.
- Squatters pose unique threats; Texas needs expedited processes to protect property owners and communities.
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Affordability/Property Taxes
- Housing affordability is influenced by several factors beyond a property owners control including property taxes, insurance, labor, and materials
- Reducing property taxes and reforming the tax process are crucial to making rental housing more affordable.
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Property Owner/Resident Relations
- The relationship is governed by laws and lease agreements that outline responsibilities for both parties.
- TAA’s lease agreement, recognized by HUD, enhances transparency and helps residents make informed decisions.
- TAA encourages residents who may have an issue with their rental housing to contact their property owners and make them aware of the issue.
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Other Legislative Issues
Affordable Housing
- Affordable housing helps ensure some of our most vulnerable Texans have homes. Affordable housing is highly specialized and regulated within the rental housing industry. TAA is committed to educating our members about applicable regulations and working with policymakers to establish programs to facilitate the development and operation of affordable housing properties.
- Unprecedented levels of new rental housing supply in Texas benefit residents by making rental housing more affordable and available. TAA will continue to support policies that facilitate the development, construction and operation of an array of rental housing options to enhance affordability for Texas renters.
- TAA offers robust education and resources on affordable housing, including certifications, webinars and the latest regulatory changes. Visit taa.org/events/ to learn more.
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City Fees
- Cities have the authority to impose fees for the development and operation of rental housing properties, and TAA and our members know firsthand how these fees significantly impact housing affordability. While some municipal fees may be necessary, the cost must be transparent and reasonably related to its underlying purpose. We will continue efforts to increase the transparency of new or additional fees imposed by cities.
- We encourage members to stay informed about local ordinances and regulations regarding city fees where your rental properties are located. Please check with your local association for information and resources specific to your area.
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Habitability
- TAA members provide nearly 3 million rental homes that fit the diverse needs of Texans, are well-maintained and are professionally managed. Our members work diligently to provide quality housing for the more than 7 million Texans who reside in rental homes.
- TAA advocates for market-driven public policies that encourage the development, construction, and operation of quality rental housing in Texas to meet the ever-changing needs of a diverse and growing state.
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Preemption
- TAA represents nearly 12,000 members who build, manage and maintain a diverse array of housing across our large state. It is essential to have consistent statewide policies and procedures so rental property owners can continue to operate across multiple markets. HB 2127, the preemption bill (effective September 1, 2023), maintains a statewide policy and legal procedure to govern evictions, among other issues.
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Public Facility Corporations (PFCs)
- TAA supports market-driven public policies that facilitate the development, construction and operation of rental housing that meets the needs of all Texans. HB 2071 adds the appropriate guardrails to Public Facility Corporations (PFCs), and TAA supports the use of PFCs as a tool to help deliver much-needed housing to the state while ensuring fairness and transparency for all rental housing property owners.
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