Texas · Property Code §§5.0206–5.0207 (S.B. 1734)Texas deed fraud: the owner's affidavit regarding a purported conveyance

Senate Bill 1734 gave Texas property owners a new tool against forged or fraudulent deeds, effective September 1, 2025. An owner can record, in the county where the suspicious document was recorded, an Owner's Affidavit Regarding Purported Conveyance – sworn before a notary, describing the property, identifying the recorded document and stating which interests the owner actually conveyed – together with a Certificate of Mailing. The owner must send a copy of the recorded affidavit and a letter to the grantor and grantee of the purported conveyance by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, at their last known addresses. The grantor or grantee then has 120 days after the certificate of mailing is filed to record a controverting affidavit saying the owner's affidavit is untrue or the conveyance is valid for another reason. If none is filed, the owner may petition a district court under Government Code §51.9035 for a finding that the document does not convey title or an interest. Once that finding is recorded, a bona fide purchaser or lender for value – and their successors – may rely on it conclusively. The statute sets out both forms.