Texas is one of the most landlord-friendly states in the country. There is no statewide rent control, no mandatory lease renewal requirement, and the eviction process is among the fastest in the nation. But that does not mean there are no rules. The Texas Property Code (Chapters 91-94) governs the landlord-tenant relationship, and getting the details wrong can cost you time and money in court.

Whether you own a single-family rental in Houston or a fourplex in San Antonio, here are the key laws every Texas landlord should know in 2026.

Security Deposits

Texas has no statutory limit on security deposit amounts — you can charge whatever the market will bear. However, you must return the deposit within 30 days of the tenant vacating, along with an itemized list of any deductions. If you withhold any portion for damages, the deductions must be for damage beyond normal wear and tear. Failing to return the deposit or provide an itemized statement within 30 days can expose you to liability for up to three times the deposit amount plus $100, plus attorney fees (Texas Property Code Section 92.109).

Pro tip: always conduct a move-in and move-out walk-through with the tenant, and document the condition with dated photos. This is your best defense against deposit disputes.

Eviction Process

Texas evictions are fast compared to most states. For non-payment of rent, you must give a 3-day notice to vacate (unless the lease specifies a different period). After the notice period expires, you can file an eviction suit in Justice Court. The court hearing is typically scheduled within 10-21 days. If you win, the tenant has 5 days to appeal. If no appeal is filed, you can request a writ of possession, and the constable will execute the eviction — usually within a few days. Total timeline for an uncontested non-payment eviction: roughly 3-4 weeks.

Important: Texas law prohibits lockouts and utility shutoffs as eviction methods. If you change the locks or cut off utilities to force a tenant out, you can be held liable for the tenant's actual damages, one month's rent plus $1,000, and attorney fees.

Lease Requirements and Rent Rules

Texas does not require a written lease, but oral leases create ambiguity and are difficult to enforce. Always use a written lease that specifies rent amount, due date, grace period, late fees, lease term, and security deposit terms. Texas has no statewide rent control — municipalities are prohibited from enacting local rent control ordinances under Texas Government Code Section 214.902. There is also no statutory limit on late fees, though they must be "reasonable" and clearly stated in the lease.

For month-to-month tenancies, either party can terminate with one month's written notice. For fixed-term leases, the lease controls.

Repairs and Habitability

Under the implied warranty of habitability, Texas landlords must make a diligent effort to repair conditions that materially affect the health or safety of a reasonable tenant. The tenant must give written notice of the issue, and the landlord has a reasonable time to repair (typically 7 days). If the landlord fails to act, the tenant can pursue remedies including lease termination, rent reduction, or repair-and-deduct (up to one month's rent). However, the tenant must be current on rent to exercise these remedies.

Track your rentals in one place — try PropTrack free

Stay organized with lease-end tracking, maintenance logs, and expense reports — built for Texas landlords.

Start Free — No Credit Card

Frequently Asked Questions

How much notice does a landlord need to give in Texas before eviction?

Texas landlords must give a 3-day notice to vacate for non-payment of rent before filing for eviction. For other lease violations, notice requirements depend on the lease terms.

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Texas?

Texas landlords have 30 days after the tenant vacates to return the security deposit or provide an itemized list of deductions.