Texas Landlord-Tenant Laws
Texas is one of the most landlord-friendly states in the country. No rent control, fast evictions, flexible deposit rules. You still have to follow the law.
Here is what matters, in plain English.
- Non-payment notice
- 3 days
- Deposit return deadline
- 30 days
- Deposit cap
- None
- Rent control
- None
Notice Requirements
Termination Notices
- Month-to-month: 30 days before next rent due date
- Week-to-week: 7 days notice
- Fixed-term lease: Ends automatically unless lease says otherwise
Pay or Quit Notices
- 3-day notice: Non-payment (unless lease specifies longer)
- Lease violations: "Reasonable time" to cure (check your lease)
- Serious violations: Can file eviction immediately
Entry Notice
Texas doesn't specify a required notice period for entry. But "reasonable notice" (usually 24 hours) is the standard. Check your lease, most include this.
Security Deposit Rules
No Limit
- • Texas doesn't cap security deposits
- • Market standard is 1-2 months' rent
- • Additional pet deposits allowed
- • Charge what makes sense for your property
Return Deadline
- • 30 days after tenant surrenders premises
- • Written itemization of deductions required
- • Tenant must provide forwarding address
- • If no address, mail to last known
Allowable Deductions
- • Unpaid rent
- • Damage beyond normal wear and tear
- • Cleaning if not left in same condition as move-in
- • Early termination fees (if in lease)
- • Utility charges owed
Bad Faith Penalty
Wrongfully withhold a deposit in Texas and you can be sued for $100 plus three times the wrongfully withheld amount, plus attorney's fees.
No Rent Control
Texas has no rent control and prohibits cities from enacting it. This means:
- No limit on rent increases. Raise rent to whatever the market supports.
- No just cause required. End month-to-month tenancies with 30 days notice. No reason needed.
- No relocation payments. You don't owe tenants money for ending their tenancy.
Note: You still cannot increase rent during a fixed-term lease unless the lease allows it. Month-to-month tenants get 30 days notice of increases.
Texas Eviction Process (One of the Fastest)
- 1Serve written notice to vacate (3+ days for non-payment)
- 2File eviction suit in Justice of the Peace court
- 3Court hearing (typically 10-21 days after filing)
- 4If you win, tenant has 5 days to appeal
- 5Request Writ of Possession
- 6Constable posts 24-hour notice, then executes eviction
Timeline
Uncontested evictions can be completed in 3-4 weeks from notice to removal. One of the fastest in the US.
Typical Costs
Filing: $75-$150. Service: $75-$100. Writ: $150-$200. Total: $300-$500.
Still Illegal
Self-help evictions are illegal even in Texas. No changing locks, removing doors, shutting off utilities, or moving belongings without a court order.
What Texas Requires of Landlords
Security Devices
Texas law requires:
- • Keyless deadbolt on each exterior door
- • Door viewer (peephole) on exterior doors
- • Window latches on all windows
- • Sliding door security devices
- • Working smoke detectors
Repairs
Must make diligent repairs if:
- • Condition affects health/safety
- • Tenant gives written notice
- • Tenant is current on rent
- • Not caused by tenant or guests
Late Fees
- • Must be "reasonable", typically 8-12% of monthly rent
- • Must be specified in written lease
- • Grace period not required by law (but 3-5 days is common)
- • Cannot charge until rent is actually late
Get Texas-compliant forms
Texas moves fast, but only if the notice is right. These are built to the state's requirements, and the PDF is free.