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Answers (7)
- Zilseller
- Contributions:10
How odd. As a homeowner, they can set the rent at whatever they want to charge, so why would they not simply set the rent high enough to cover insurance and taxes and keep control of those themselves? Or simply maintain a separate bank account to accept the rent with automatic payments to pay expenses if they don't want the bother of remembering to pay? I wouldn't want to risk the renters not paying the taxes, getting a tax lien on the property and then buying the lien so that I risk losing the property.
- Jugband45
- Contributions:5
Yes, anyone CAN pay property taxes on any property, and that can even be used. to gain title to the land, in some cases.
So yes, it's Lawful... the general principal is that anything which isn't specifically illegal is legal, and nothing addresses the matter.
I believe the law is silent on the insurance payments, but an insurance company may not allow insurance payments from someone other than the policy holder and only the owner can get a policy. Chances are that if you have a correct account number to send in with a check, they'll accept it, though.
Unless it's written into a lease, the tenant isn't required to make either of these payments, and it probably comes down to just giving the property owner free money if they do.
You can't pay the taxes of your own free will then try to get the money out of the actual owner, unless there is some kind of contract in existence which spells that out.
So yes, it's Lawful... the general principal is that anything which isn't specifically illegal is legal, and nothing addresses the matter.
I believe the law is silent on the insurance payments, but an insurance company may not allow insurance payments from someone other than the policy holder and only the owner can get a policy. Chances are that if you have a correct account number to send in with a check, they'll accept it, though.
Unless it's written into a lease, the tenant isn't required to make either of these payments, and it probably comes down to just giving the property owner free money if they do.
You can't pay the taxes of your own free will then try to get the money out of the actual owner, unless there is some kind of contract in existence which spells that out.
- Naima Sumner, "Dallas Ft. Worth PRO"
- Contributions:2847
I can't imagine the taxing authority or insurance company not accepting money if you are offering it.
If you are the landlord, you never want to lose control over that or any HOA dues as you get lose your house if the tenant doesn't pay.
As a tenant, you should know that it's not common practice. The landlord asks for a lease amount and it's up to him/her to decide how that money is allocated.
Naima
If you are the landlord, you never want to lose control over that or any HOA dues as you get lose your house if the tenant doesn't pay.
As a tenant, you should know that it's not common practice. The landlord asks for a lease amount and it's up to him/her to decide how that money is allocated.
Naima
- sunnyview
- Contributions:25139
Lawful, maybe. Smart for the renter or the landlord, generally no. If the renter fails to pay taxes then the property gets liened with penalties and the failure to pay may get forced insurance put on by the mortgage company if there is one.
Renters agreeing to pay taxes and insurance are writing a blank check since either one can change from period to period or year to year. I would pass on that rental or lock the amount to be paid in at a specified amount no matter what the actual taxes or premiums are down the line.
Renters agreeing to pay taxes and insurance are writing a blank check since either one can change from period to period or year to year. I would pass on that rental or lock the amount to be paid in at a specified amount no matter what the actual taxes or premiums are down the line.
- Guy Gimenez, "Broker and Investor"
- Contributions:58
Yes, there is no Texas law that prohibits this....but neither the taxes or insurance are in the name of the renter. A renter can pay for one, both or neither, depending on what is agreed to in your lease contract.
- wetdawgs
- Contributions:26833
Why do you ask? I've heard of this happening with rentals between relatives when the renter is getting a bargain, but otherwise it is highly unusual (and a good way for the landlord to get short changed)
- doralgate
- Contributions:139
You would think that this is all rolled into the actual rental amount....
Is it lawful for a renter to pay property taxes and homeowner insurance in Texas?
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