In a landmark move, the Texas Legislature has passed changes to Chapter 27 of the Texas Property Code, also known as the Residential Construction Liability Act (RCLA), drawing much attention from residential constructors. But what has not gained as much notoriety yet, is how the legislature has also amended Chapter 16 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, consequently shortening the statute of repose on residential constructions.
Primarily, the statute of repose sets a deadline for homeowners to file a lawsuit against a builder for construction defects. However, the recent amendments have led to a significant reduction in this timeframe. Consequently, this changes the landscape for homebuilders in Texas, potentially impacting the risk assessment and legal strategies.
It’s important for legal professionals in the housing industry to familiarize themselves with these changes to ensure that they and their clients are prepared for the effects these amendments might have.
JD Supra’s in-depth explanation of these amendments provides further clarity on the modifications. Undoubtedly, these changes instituted by the Texas Legislature are significant for Texas homebuilders and the residential construction industry, emphasizing the importance of staying informed about legislative developments in Texas and beyond.