Tenant Rights in Carrollton, Texas

Last updated: April 2026

Carrollton is a diverse DFW suburb with a booming rental market. No local tenant ordinances apply here — Texas state law is your entire framework.

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Key Takeaways

  • Rent Control: None — Tex. Prop. Code § 214.902 bans rent control statewide.
  • Security Deposit: Returned within 30 days with itemized statement. Wrongful withholding = 3× damages (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.109).
  • Notice to Vacate: At least 1 month's written notice to end a month-to-month tenancy (Tex. Prop. Code § 91.001).
  • Just Cause Eviction: Not required in Texas.
  • Local Resources: Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas (lanwt.org), Texas Law Help (texaslawhelp.org)

1. Overview: Tenant Rights in Carrollton

Carrollton is a rapidly growing suburb straddling Dallas, Denton, and Collin counties. It is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the DFW metroplex and has a large renter population. Carrollton has not enacted any local tenant protections — all landlord-tenant matters are governed by the Texas Property Code, Chapter 92.

2. Does Carrollton Have Rent Control?

Carrollton has no rent control. Texas state law (Tex. Prop. Code § 214.902) prohibits every city and county in Texas from enacting rent control ordinances. Your landlord can raise rent by any amount at lease renewal or with proper notice on a month-to-month tenancy.

3. Texas State Tenant Protections That Apply in Carrollton

Texas Property Code Chapter 92 provides these protections for Carrollton renters:

  • Security Deposit: Returned within 30 days of move-out with a written itemized statement. Bad-faith withholding can result in 3× the deposit plus attorney's fees (Tex. Prop. Code §§ 92.103, 92.109).
  • Repairs & Habitability: Landlords must repair health-and-safety conditions after written notice within a reasonable time. Tenant remedies include repair-and-deduct (up to $500 or one month's rent), lease termination, or rent reduction (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.056).
  • Notice to Terminate: At least 1 month's written notice to end a month-to-month tenancy (Tex. Prop. Code § 91.001).
  • Anti-Retaliation: Landlords cannot raise rent, cut services, or otherwise retaliate against you for asserting your legal rights (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.331).
  • No Self-Help Eviction: Lockouts and utility shutoffs without a court order are illegal (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.0081).

4. Security Deposit Rules in Carrollton

Texas places no cap on security deposit amounts, so Carrollton landlords can charge any amount. After move-out, the landlord has 30 days to return the deposit with a written itemized statement (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.103). Bad-faith or improper withholding entitles you to three times the wrongfully withheld amount plus attorney's fees (§ 92.109). Document the unit thoroughly at move-in and move-out.

5. Eviction Process and Your Rights in Carrollton

Carrollton landlords must serve a 3-day notice to vacate before filing an eviction suit in Justice of the Peace court. A court judgment is required before you can be removed. Self-help eviction is illegal — lockouts, utility cutoffs, and removal of belongings without a court order violate Texas law (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.0081). Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas serves Dallas County renters facing eviction.

6. Resources for Carrollton Tenants

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Carrollton have rent control?

No. Carrollton has no rent control, and Texas law (Tex. Prop. Code § 214.902) prohibits all Texas cities from enacting rent control. Landlords can raise rent by any amount.

How much can my landlord raise my rent in Carrollton?

There is no legal limit on rent increases in Carrollton or anywhere in Texas. Landlords must provide at least 1 month's written notice before raising rent on a month-to-month lease.

How long does my landlord have to return my security deposit in Carrollton?

30 days after move-out with a written itemized statement (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.103). Bad-faith withholding can result in 3× the withheld amount plus attorney's fees (§ 92.109).

What notice does my landlord need before evicting me in Carrollton?

A 3-day notice to vacate, then a court filing if the tenant does not comply. A court judgment is required before removal. Month-to-month tenancies require 1 month's notice to terminate (Tex. Prop. Code § 91.001).

Can my landlord lock me out or shut off utilities in Carrollton?

No. Self-help eviction is illegal in Texas (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.0081). Your landlord must obtain a court order first. Contact Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas if you are illegally locked out.

What can I do if my landlord refuses to make repairs in Carrollton?

Submit a written repair request. Under Tex. Prop. Code § 92.056, your landlord must fix health-and-safety issues within a reasonable time. Remedies include repair-and-deduct, lease termination, or rent reduction. Document everything in writing.

This article provides general information about tenant rights in Carrollton and is not legal advice. Laws change — verify current rules with a local attorney or tenant organization.

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