TX HB4179

First responders and their dependents (spouse, child, or individual receiving more than half their support for 180 days) may terminate a residential lease early and avoid liability for future rent when the tenant becomes employed as a first responder or receives instructions requiring a permanent residency change or responding to a disaster/emergency for 90+ consecutive days

Tenants must provide written notice of termination and documentation of employment date or relocation/emergency response instructions; termination becomes effective 30 days after the next rent due date for monthly leases, or the last day of the following month for other leases

Landlords must refund all rent and amounts paid in advance within 30 days of lease termination; landlords who violate the law are liable for actual damages, one month's rent plus $500, and attorney's fees

If a lease lacks required disclosure language about first responder termination rights, tenants are released from all delinquent unpaid rent owed at the time of termination

Tenants may waive these rights only through a signed, separate document in 12-point type if moving into first responder housing or housing within 30 miles, but waivers do not apply when moving with family/relatives or due to a 10%+ income reduction from first responder employment