Texas lawmakers meet in regular session only once every two years, so when they do, the changes can be big. The 2025 session brought new rules on unauthorized occupants and evictions. The 2027 session could change property taxes, housing development, and more.
Fort Worth and Tarrant County landlords should start paying attention now. Bill filing opens in November, and the session begins in January.
Key Takeaways
- The 90th Texas Legislature's regular session is scheduled to run from January 12 to May 31, 2027.
- Lawmakers may begin filing bills on November 9, 2026.
- Interim charges point to property tax relief, development and permitting rules, and insurance pressures as likely topics.
- Committees are also reviewing how 2025 laws are working.
- Landlords should watch bills affecting property taxes, evictions, and housing supply.
Key Dates for the 2027 Session
- November 9, 2026: Lawmakers may begin filing bills, according to The Texan.
- January 12, 2027: The 90th regular session begins.
- May 31, 2027: The regular session is scheduled to end, according to the Texas Affiliation of Affordable Housing Providers.
What Interim Charges Suggest
Between sessions, the Lieutenant Governor and House Speaker issue interim charges that tell committees what to study. They do not create law, but they are one of the best previews of what lawmakers may act on.
For the 2027 session, interim charges released in 2026 include issues that may affect landlords:
- Property tax relief: Committees were directed to study options such as increasing the homestead exemption and lowering the age for senior tax freezes.
- Development and permitting: Charges point to reducing local regulatory barriers to housing development.
- Insurance pressures: Rising insurance costs are part of the broader housing affordability discussion.
- Implementation of 2025 laws: Committees are reviewing how legislation from the 89th session is working.
The Senate also added seven new interim charges on July 27, 2026, according to Texas Policy Research.
Property Taxes and Rental Owners
Property tax relief is likely to be a major topic again. Keep in mind that homestead exemptions generally apply only to a property owner's primary residence, not rental properties. If relief focuses mainly on homesteads, rental owners may see less direct benefit.
Tarrant County rental owners should watch any changes to appraisal limits, tax rate rules, or business property relief that could apply to non-homestead properties.
Eviction and Occupancy Laws From 2025
The 2025 session passed significant changes, including SB 1333, which addresses unauthorized occupants and took effect September 1, 2025, and SB 38, which changed the eviction process. Because committees are reviewing how 2025 laws are working, follow-up bills that clarify or adjust these rules are possible.
Landlords should make sure their notices and procedures already reflect the 2025 changes before any new rules arrive. Our eviction services are updated as laws change.
Housing Supply and Development
Fort Worth continues to grow, and state leaders have focused on housing supply. Bills that reduce local permitting barriers or change zoning rules could make it easier to build new rentals. That can be good news for investors who build or buy new units, but more supply can also mean more competition for existing rentals.
Insurance Costs and Affordability
Insurance has become one of the fastest-rising costs for Texas rental owners. Interim charges list insurance pressures as part of the housing affordability discussion, which could lead to bills on rate review, coverage options, or storm-related claims.
For Fort Worth landlords, hail and wind claims are a major driver of premiums. Watch for any bills that change how insurers handle roof claims, deductibles, or policy cancellations, since those can directly affect your operating budget.
Benefits and Challenges for Landlords
A legislative session can bring good news, such as tax relief, faster permitting, or clearer eviction procedures. It can also introduce new compliance rules, notice requirements, or fee limits that require changes to your leases and processes.
The key is to watch for bills early, understand which ones are likely to pass, and avoid making changes based on proposals alone. Many bills are filed every session, but only a portion become law.
How to Stay Informed
- Track bills on Texas Legislature Online once filing begins on November 9.
- Search by keywords such as landlord, tenant, eviction, and property tax.
- Follow reliable news coverage during the session.
- Talk with a Texas real estate attorney before changing leases or procedures.
- Work with a property manager who updates forms as laws change.
Hypothetical example for illustration only. If a Fort Worth rental is appraised at $320,000 and the combined tax rate is about 2.2%, the annual tax bill would be about $7,040. A change that lowered the taxable value of non-homestead property by 5% could reduce that bill by roughly $350, while homestead-only relief would not lower it at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the 2027 Texas legislative session start?
The 90th regular session is scheduled to begin January 12, 2027, and run through May 31, 2027.
When can lawmakers start filing bills?
Lawmakers may begin filing bills on November 9, 2026.
Will property tax relief help rental owners?
It depends on the final bills. Homestead exemptions generally apply only to primary residences, so rental owners may benefit more from changes that affect non-homestead property.
Are Texas eviction laws changing again?
Committees are reviewing how 2025 laws are working, so adjustments are possible. Nothing changes until a bill passes and takes effect.
Get Ready for the 2027 Session
The 2027 session may bring changes that affect property taxes, evictions, and housing supply. Fort Worth landlords who monitor the process and keep their procedures up to date will be ready to adapt.
1st Choice Property Management helps Fort Worth and Tarrant County owners stay compliant and informed. Contact our team or learn more about our Fort Worth property management services to review your 2027 rental strategy.
