Texas Rental Laws

This article summarizes some key Texas Landlord-Tenant laws applicable to residential rental units.

We’ve used the Official State Statutes and other online sources cited below to research this information and it should be a good starting point in learning about the law.

With that said, our summary is not intended to be exhaustive or a substitute for qualified legal advice. Laws and statutes are always subject to change, and may even vary from county to county or city to city.

You are responsible for performing your own research and complying with all laws applicable to your unique situation.

If you have legal questions or concerns, we recommend consulting with the appropriate government agencies and/or a qualified lawyer in your area. Your local or state bar association may have a referral service that can help you find a lawyer with experience in landlord-tenant law.

Official Rules and Regulations

Details

Security Deposit:

Security Deposit Maximum: No statute
Security Deposit Interest: No statute
Separate Security Deposit Bank Account: No statute
Pet Deposits and Additional Fees: No statute
Deadline for Returning Security Deposit: 30 days
Require Written Description / Itemized List of Damages and Charges: Yes (92.104)
Record Keeping of Deposit Withholdings: No statute

Lease, Rent & Fees:

- Rent Increase Notice: No Statute (92.012)
- Late Fees: Reasonable amount allowed
- Returned Check Fees: No statute
- Tenant Allowed to Withhold Rent for Failure to Provide Essential Services (Water, Heat, etc.): No Statute
- Tenant Allowed to Repair and Deduct Rent: Yes, but not more than 1 month’s rent or $500. Tenant must give prior notice to Landlord.
- Landlord Allow to Recover Court and Attorney’s Fees: Yes
- Termination due to Public Indecency: Immediate
- Subletting: Prohibited without prior consent
- Landlord Must Make a Reasonable Attempt to Rerent if Tenant Vacates: Yes
- Lockouts Allowed:

Yes, but conditions apply. (Sec. 92.0081)
Utility Shut-offs Allowed: No (Sec. 92.008(o))

Notices and Entry:

Notice to Terminate a Lease – Yearly Lease: at least 1 month
Notice to Terminate a Lease – Month-to-Month: at least 1 month but tenant and landlord can make agreements in writing that differ from this.
Notice of date/time of Move-Out Inspection: No statute
Eviction Notice for Nonpayment: 3 days to pay or move-out – Landlord can file for eviction 3 days after notice is received. (Sec. 24.005)
Eviction Notice for Lease Violation: No Statute
Required Notice before Entry: Yes, but no notice period is specified (92.0081)
Entry Allowed with Notice for Maintenance and Repairs (non-emergency): Yes, but no notice period is specified (92.0081)
Entry Allowed During Tenant’s Extended Absence: No Statute
Notice to Tenants for Pesticide Use: No Statute
Emergency Entry Allowed without Notice: No Statute

Disclosures and Miscellaneous Notes:

Landlord must identify, in writing, the name and address of the property owner.
Landlord must identify, in writing, the name and address of the property manager.
Landlord can remove personal property of a deceased tenant who has abandoned the property 30 days after sending postmarked certified notice to the previously stated point-of-contact, and if no one has claimed the items. (Sec. 92.014.5)
Landlord must inform the Tenant, in writing, that they have the right to “Repair and deduct or the option to terminate the lease”, if the Landlord fails to make repairs that directly affect the health or safety of an ordinary tenant.
Landlord must inform the Tenant, in writing, that they may break a lease early in special circumstances involving sexual assault, sexual abuse, or domestic violence.
Landlords can require tenants to provide proof of domestic violence status before releasing tenants from a lease.

Court Related:

Small Claims Court Limits: $10,000
Collection agents or agencies, money brokers, and moneylenders are not allowed to use in small claims court.

Business Licenses:

Business License required: No state-wide statute, but local cities and counties may have regulations and requirements. Check with your local governing authority.