Texas landlord-tenant law
Local rules also apply in: Austin, Dallas, Houston
Quick facts
| Topic | At a glance |
|---|---|
| Security deposit limit | Not yet verified |
| Deposit return deadline | Refund on or before the 30th day after the tenant surrenders the premises. |
| Notice to enter | Not yet verified |
| Rent increase notice | Not yet verified |
| Late fees | No late fee unless notice is in a written lease, the fee is reasonable, and rent remains unpaid two full days after the due date. |
| Eviction notice (nonpayment) | At least 3 days' written notice to vacate before filing, unless the lease sets a shorter or longer period. |
| Rent control / state preemption | Local rent control is allowed only if the city finds a housing emergency due to a declared disaster and the governor approves the ordinan… |
Details & sources
Security deposit limit
Not yet verified
Back to quick facts ↑Deposit return deadline
Refund on or before the 30th day after the tenant surrenders the premises. The landlord isn't obligated to refund until the tenant gives a written forwarding address (§ 92.107).
Verified Source: Tex. Prop. Code § 92.103 · last checked 2026-10-15
Back to quick facts ↑Notice to enter
Not yet verified
Back to quick facts ↑Rent increase notice
Not yet verified
Back to quick facts ↑Late fees
No late fee unless notice is in a written lease, the fee is reasonable, and rent remains unpaid two full days after the due date. Presumed reasonable: up to 12% of monthly rent (structures of 4 or fewer units) or 10% (more than 4 units).
Verified Source: Tex. Prop. Code § 92.019 · last checked 2026-10-15
Back to quick facts ↑Eviction notice (nonpayment)
At least 3 days' written notice to vacate before filing, unless the lease sets a shorter or longer period. For tenants who were not previously late, a nonpayment notice must be a notice to pay rent or vacate.
Verified Source: Tex. Prop. Code § 24.005(a) · last checked 2026-10-15
Back to quick facts ↑Rent control / state preemption
Local rent control is allowed only if the city finds a housing emergency due to a declared disaster and the governor approves the ordinance (Texas State Law Library summary of the statute).
Verified Source: Tex. Local Gov't Code § 214.902 · last checked 2026-10-15
Back to quick facts ↑Cities in Texas with their own rules
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