One of the most important decisions a person makes is finding a place to live. If you are renting, you will sign a lease, which is a legal obligation to live someplace and pay rent for a certain length of time (usually six months or a year). There are very few exceptions in which a lease can be broken. Therefore, your rental home should be chosen with great care.

What TAA does for Renters:
TAA, though its Education Foundation, has developed Renting 101, a program to better educate first-time renters about their rights and responsibilities. Go to www.taa.org.

We communicate regularly with our members about changes in the laws and regulations that govern rental property, and provide resources and assistance to ensure that our members are operating effectively, legally and ethically.

TAA has been a key proponent of legislation that has increased habitability and security standards for residents of rental housing. Legislation supported by TAA has set the standard for security devices (locks and other items) required in residential rental housing. Texas laws are among the nation's toughest for required security devices and for return of security deposits.

We've also supported uniform statewide fencing requirements for pool yards at rental properties. These requirements help improve pool safety and reduce the likelihood of accidental drowning.

TAA has also been instrumental in supporting the passage of meaningful tort reform in the state. These reforms have helped keep a lid on operating costs and costs associated with frivolous lawsuits, which can add to the cost of rent.