Texas updates guidance for property tax lenders to work with consumers

State Issues Covid-19 Texas Consumer Finance Lending Repossession Licensing ESIGN

On February 18, the Texas Office of the Consumer Credit Commissioner updated its advisory bulletin urging property tax lenders to work with consumers during the Covid-19 crisis (previously discussed here, here, here, and here) Among other measures, the regulator urges licensees to increase consumer communication regarding the effects of Covid-19 for licensees, work out modifications for payment difficulties, and review policies for fees, late charges, delinquency practices, and repossessions. The guidance also: (i) reminds licensees of legal requirements for using electronic signatures, and (ii) continues to permit licensees to conduct activity from unlicensed locations, subject to certain conditions. The guidance is in effect through March 31, 2021, unless withdrawn or revised.