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Bill

HB 1184

Relating to prohibiting a prospective residential landlord from increasing the amount of rent during the rental application process.

89th Legislature (2025)

Texas HB 1184 blocks landlords from raising rent between application submission and lease signing to prevent price increases during the leasing process.

Referred to Trade, Workforce & Economic Development
#propertyinterests--landlord&tenant(i0610)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1184

Legislative bill overview

HB 1184 would prohibit landlords in Texas from raising rent amounts after a prospective tenant has submitted a rental application but before a lease is signed. The bill aims to prevent landlords from exploiting the application process by increasing quoted rental rates once a tenant has committed time and resources to the application.

Why is this important

Rental application processes can take days or weeks, during which time tenants may be unable to apply elsewhere. Prohibiting mid-application rent increases protects prospective tenants from bait-and-switch pricing and provides cost predictability during the leasing process. This could be particularly impactful in competitive rental markets where landlords have significant leverage over applicants.

Potential points of contention

  • Business flexibility concerns: Landlords may argue they need pricing flexibility to respond to market conditions, competing applications, or changed circumstances during the application review period
  • Defining the application period: Ambiguity exists around what constitutes the start and end of the "rental application process"—does it include initial inquiry, formal application submission, or background/credit check completion?
  • Market effects: Landlords may respond by setting initial asking prices higher or by being more selective upfront rather than negotiating during applications, potentially reducing access for marginal applicants

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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