Sec. 92.024. LANDLORD'S DUTY TO PROVIDE COPY OF LEASE. (a) Not later than the third business day after the date the lease is signed by each party to the lease, a landlord shall provide at least one complete copy of the lease to at least one tenant who is a party to the lease.
(b) If more than one tenant is a party to the lease, not later than the third business day after the date a landlord receives a written request for a copy of a lease from a tenant who has not received a copy of the lease under Subsection (a), the landlord shall provide one complete copy of the lease to the requesting tenant.
(c) A landlord's failure to provide a complete copy of the lease as described by Subsection (a) or (b) does not invalidate the lease or, subject to Subsection (d), prevent the landlord from prosecuting or defending a legal action or proceeding to enforce the lease.
(d) A landlord may not continue to prosecute and a court shall abate an action to enforce the lease, other than an action for nonpayment of rent, only until the landlord provides to a tenant a complete copy of the lease if the tenant submits to the court evidence in a plea in abatement or otherwise that the landlord failed to comply with Subsection (a) or (b).
(e) A landlord may comply with this section by providing to a tenant a complete copy of the lease:
(1) in a paper format;
(2) in an electronic format if requested by the tenant; or
(3) by e-mail if the parties have communicated by e-mail regarding the lease.
Added by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 588 (S.B. 630), Sec. 1, eff. January 1, 2014.
Structure Texas Statutes
Chapter 92 - Residential Tenancies
Subchapter A. General Provisions
Section 92.003. Landlord's Agent for Service of Process
Section 92.005. Attorney's Fees
Section 92.006. Waiver or Expansion of Duties and Remedies
Section 92.008. Interruption of Utilities
Section 92.0081. Removal of Property and Exclusion of Residential Tenant
Section 92.009. Residential Tenant's Right of Reentry After Unlawful Lockout
Section 92.0091. Residential Tenant's Right of Restoration After Unlawful Utility Disconnection
Section 92.010. Occupancy Limits
Section 92.011. Cash Rental Payments
Section 92.012. Notice to Tenant at Primary Residence
Section 92.013. Notice of Rule or Policy Change Affecting Tenant's Personal Property
Section 92.0131. Notice Regarding Vehicle Towing or Parking Rules or Policies
Section 92.0132. Term of Parking Permit
Section 92.0135. Notice for Dwelling Located in Floodplain
Section 92.014. Personal Property and Security Deposit of Deceased Tenant
Section 92.015. Tenant's Right to Summon Police or Emergency Assistance
Section 92.016. Right to Vacate and Avoid Liability Following Family Violence
Section 92.0161. Right to Vacate and Avoid Liability Following Certain Sex Offenses or Stalking
Section 92.0162. Right to Vacate and Avoid Liability Following Tenant's Death
Section 92.018. Liability of Tenant for Governmental Fines
Section 92.019. Late Payment of Rent; Fees
Section 92.0191. Statement of Late Fees
Section 92.020. Emergency Phone Number
Section 92.021. Liability of Certain Guarantors Under Lease
Section 92.023. Tenant's Remedies Regarding Revocation of Certificate of Occupancy
Section 92.024. Landlord's Duty to Provide Copy of Lease
Section 92.025. Liability for Leasing to Person With Criminal Record
Section 92.026. Possession of Firearms or Firearm Ammunition on Leased Premises