Harris County Reform Acts

Shared Responsibility Act

Every Resident of Harris County Should Share in the Financial Responsibility

7 in 10

Harris County residents rent or lease

3 in 10

Residents are homeowners bearing the tax burden

2.1M

Residential rental or leasing units in Harris County

$500–$600

Proposed annual contribution per renter or leaser

The Problem

An Unequal Financial Burden

Here in Harris County, roughly 7 out of 10 residents reside in apartments or leased residential homes. These residents use all of the services that the county provides — however, they don't make direct financial contributions to support Harris County.

For example, they are not required to make a direct contribution to the cost of educating our children (H.I.S.D), the Harris County Hospital District, or City of Houston taxes.

On the other hand, 3 in 10 residents of Harris County are homeowners who are required to make a direct financial contribution to the County Tax Base. The financial burden of Harris County falls directly on the shoulders of the homeowners.

If the homeowner does not meet their financial responsibility, they risk Property Tax Foreclosure. In short, the homeowner has to pay or risk losing everything they have worked so hard for.

Renters & Leasers

Use all county-provided services
No direct financial contribution to the tax base
Nothing to risk or lose
Building owners pay taxes — not residents

Homeowners

Required to make direct financial contributions
Fund education, hospitals, and city services
Risk property tax foreclosure if unable to pay
Bear the full financial burden of the county

The Solution

The Harris County Shared Responsibility Act

The Harris County Shared Responsibility Act would require residents of Harris County that Rent or Lease Apartments or Residential Property to contribute to our County Tax Base.

Apartment Residents

$500.00/year

Residents living in apartments would contribute $500.00 per year directly to the Harris County tax base.

Home Leasers

$600.00/year

Residents that lease homes would contribute $600.00 per year to support county services.

Enforcement

The building owner would have to verify that the renter or leaser had met the County Financial Responsibility prior to signing an agreement. If the owners fail to verify that payment had been made, then the Rental or Leasing agents would be responsible for the payment.

County Impact

Here in Harris County we have 2.1 million residential rental or leasing units available for residential customers. This would be a great source of income for the Harris County Tax Base, and a relief to homeowners.

Time has come for Every Resident of Harris County to Share in the Financial Responsibility.

Sign the Petition