In an effort to provide transparency to tenants about the ownership and management of the property they are renting, Texas requires that the landlord provide the names and addresses for the property owner and property manager to the tenant, in writing, within seven days of their request for such information.
The Law
Specifically, here are the options for disclosure as per Texas Property Code § 92.201(b):
- giving the information in writing to the tenant on or before the seventh day after the day the landlord receives the tenant's request for the information;
- continuously posting the information in a conspicuous place in the dwelling or the office of the on-site manager or on the outside of the entry door to the office of the on-site manager on or before the seventh day after the date the landlord receives the tenant's request for the information; or
- including the information in a copy of the tenant's lease or in written rules given to the tenant before the tenant requests the information.
Communication Is Key!
As with many aspects of being a landlord, providing this information at the beginning of the tenancy is a great idea. It’s probably easiest and most efficient to include this information somewhere in the lease agreement. That way your tenant can go to one document to not only find the contact information for the property manager should they need it, but to confirm the ownership of the property using resources available online and at the county clerk’s office. Be ready for some savvy tenants to inquire about property ownership prior to signing a lease, though. It is not uncommon for a tenant to want to confirm ownership of a property prior to signing on the dotted line to avoid rental scam artists. Smart tenants? We think so.
