Texas Tribune Highlights Early Success of SB 840

The Texas Tribune recently highlighted the early success of Senate Bill 840, one of the landmark housing reforms passed by the Texas Legislature in 2025.

Since the law took effect, it has helped clear the way for at least 8,400 new apartments in Texas, according to a tally by Texans for Reasonable Solutions, the American Enterprise Institute's Housing Center, and Texas Appleseed.

One of the best examples is Pepper Square in North Dallas. For years, redevelopment of the aging shopping center was delayed by lawsuits and neighborhood opposition. After SB 840 became law, the project was able to move forward and is now expected to include about 1,000 apartments along with retail space and public parkland.

The Texas Tribune also reported that apartment construction has increased in the 19 cities covered by SB 840, even as multifamily construction has slowed statewide.

As Texans for Reasonable Solutions founder Nicole Nosek told the Texas Tribune:

"The biggest obstacle to more homes for Texas families isn't the land. It isn't the money. It is some of the local obstacles protecting the status quo."

While SB 840 is already producing results, some cities have adopted new regulations intended to discourage projects allowed under the law. State lawmakers have indicated they plan to continue strengthening housing reforms and ensuring local compliance during the 2027 legislative session.

Read the full Texas Tribune article:

Thousands of apartments going up thanks to new Texas housing laws