TX SB851

Removes outdated requirement that tenant-initiated repairs be made by contractors listed in telephone directory yellow pages or newspaper classifieds, replacing it with a requirement for an "independent" company, contractor, or repairman

Requires repair workers to be licensed in accordance with municipal requirements if the rental unit is located in a municipality with licensing requirements

Expands methods tenants can use to provide forwarding addresses for security deposit refunds, including hand delivery, first class mail, certified mail, registered mail, or any delivery service with tracking

Establishes that a tenant satisfies the forwarding address requirement even if the landlord fails to claim or refuses delivery of the statement

Creates presumption of bad faith against landlords who fail to return security deposits or provide itemized deductions within 30 days after the tenant both surrenders possession and provides a forwarding address; applies to leases entered into or renewed on or after September 1, 2025