Texas Landlord Laws - Required Disclosures
As a landlord, you must disclose certain information to your tenants. This information is often included in the lease agreement and outlines the following:Non-refundable Fees
In Texas, nonrefundable fees are permitted as long as they were included in the leasing agreement. You must include a reasonable explanation for them as well as their amount.Security Deposits
You are not required to provide a written notice upon receipt of their security deposit. There is also no compulsory system for storing security deposits under Texas law. However, you should check with your local ordinances as they may be different. You must stay up to date on the current policies of the county your property is located in. There is also no maximum for how much you can charge your tenants as a security deposit. Once the tenant’s lease ends, you must return the security deposit (in whole or in part) to them within 30-days. If you take out deductions, you must provide an itemized list of them with the reason for the deduction. This is applicable both if you partially refund the deposit or don’t refund it at all. Under Texas law, you must keep an up-to-date and accurate record of all security deposits.
Domestic Violence Lease Termination - Texas
Under Texas law, domestic violence victims can break their lease without financial consequences. They may even have the option not to provide notice upon doing so. If you attempt to avert the victim from breaching the contract, you will be subject to a civil penalty. A domestic violence victim only needs to present you with a single document to break the lease. This can be a temporary injunction, a temporary ex parte protective order, or a final protective order. Upon presenting this, they can break the lease without penalization.Owner/Agent Identity
The lease agreement made between you and your tenant must include your name and address, either street or P.O. Box. If you use a property management company, it must also include the name and address of the company.Texas Tenant Laws and Rights
Texas Tenant Rights
Every tenant in Texas is guaranteed the following basic rights:- Remain in the property unless the proprietor wins a forcible entry and detainer suit.
- Have their maintenance and repair requests acted upon within a given period of time.
- Enjoy their privacy in the rental.
- Live in a habitable and safe environment.
- Provide you with a written notice before moving out of the property.
- Adhere to the terms and conditions in the leasing contract.
- Avoid creating disturbances on the premises of the property.
- Pay their rent on or before the due dates outlined in the leasing contract.
Landlord Rights and Responsibilities
Landlord Rights in Texas
As a Texas landlord, you are guaranteed the following rights:- Have your tenants fulfill their responsibilities under the signed leasing agreement.
- Receive notification from your tenant when they leave for an extended time.
Texas Landlord Responsibilities
You also have some basic responsibilities as a landlord in Texas. These include:- Adhering to Texas’ legal eviction procedure.
- Complying with the State Security Deposit Return Rules.
- Preserving the peace and quiet of the property.
Texas Rental Laws: An Overview for Landlords and Tenants
1. Texas Landlord Entry Laws
In Texas, there are no specifics regarding your right to enter the property or provide notice to your tenants before doing so. You must outline this in the lease agreement with your tenant on your own accord. You should include the details of this for:- Emergency cases
- Routine inspections/repairs
2. Property Condition, Maintenance, and Repairs
Maintaining the property is your responsibility as a landlord. You must ensure that your property has:- A proper waste disposal system.
- No pest or vermin issues.
- Well-maintained and working plumbing.
3. Home Rental Laws in Texas - Discrimination
Under the Fair Housing Act, you cannot discriminate against a tenant on the basis of the protected characteristics. These include their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, and/or familial status.4. Texas Law for Rental Property - Security Deposits
Tenants must pay a security deposit to cover the cost of:- Any remaining utilities unpaid for when they move out
- Repairment or replacement expenses for damages they cause
- Any necessary cleaning fees when they leave the property
5. Required Landlord Disclosures
These required disclosures are usually printed in the lease agreement. They are as follows:- Disclosure of any electric service interruption.
- Disclosure of your parking rules and policies, including towing situations.
6. Withholding Rent in Texas
If you fail to make any necessary property repairs, your tenant can:- Contact a Texas health inspector
- File a lawsuit against you
- Break the lease agreement
