Texas Abandoned property

What can a landlord do with property a tenant leaves behind in Texas?

Chapter 92 has no general residential abandoned-property procedure; it lets a landlord remove the contents of abandoned premises without a lockout violation (§ 92.0081(b)(2)). Seizing and selling a tenant's property for unpaid rent requires a conspicuous lien clause in a written lease (§ 54.043). Exempt items such as clothing, beds, kitchenware and medicine are protected (§ 54.042). Seizure must be peaceable, with an itemized notice left behind (§ 54.044). Any sale needs 30 days' notice by first-class and certified mail (§ 54.045).

Verified Source: Tex. Prop. Code §§ 92.0081(b)(2), 54.041–54.045 · last checked 2026-10-15