Cedar Park renters are covered by Texas state law, which provides clear rules on security deposits, repairs, and eviction — but prohibits rent control statewide. Here is what every Cedar Park tenant should know.·Updated April 2026
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Key Takeaways
Learn whether rent control exists in Cedar Park or anywhere in Texas.
Review Texas's deposit-return timeline and how renters can recover wrongfully withheld funds.
See the lease-end notice Texas requires landlords to give tenants.
Check whether just-cause eviction protections cover renters in Cedar Park.
Find out whether Cedar Park layers additional tenant protections on top of Texas law.
Lone Star Legal Aid (lonestarlegal.blog), Texas Law Help (texaslawhelp.org)
1. Overview: Tenant Rights in Cedar Park
Cedar Park is a fast-growing city in Williamson County in the Austin metropolitan area, with a rapidly expanding renter population. Texas state law — primarily the Texas Property Code — governs the landlord-tenant relationship in Cedar Park. There are no city-level rent control measures, and Texas law actively prohibits municipalities from enacting them under Tex. Prop. Code § 214.902. Texas still provides meaningful protections around security deposits, habitability, retaliation, and the eviction process.
This guide is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Tenants facing urgent housing issues should contact Lone Star Legal Aid or Texas Law Help.
2. Does Cedar Park Have Rent Control?
Cedar Park has no rent control, and Texas state law expressly forbids any city or county from passing rent control ordinances (Tex. Prop. Code § 214.902). Your landlord may raise rent by any amount, but must provide adequate written notice before a new rent amount takes effect. For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must give at least one month's written notice under Tex. Prop. Code § 91.001. Always review your lease for notice requirements that may exceed the statutory minimum.
3. Texas State Tenant Protections That Apply in Cedar Park
Texas law provides the following key protections for Cedar Park tenants:
Security Deposit: Landlords must return your deposit within 30 days of move-out with a written itemized statement of deductions. Wrongful withholding can expose the landlord to liability for 3× the deposit amount plus attorney fees (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.109).
Repairs & Habitability: Landlords must make repairs that materially affect health or safety within a reasonable time after written notice. If they fail, you may repair-and-deduct (up to the lesser of $500 or one month's rent) or terminate the lease (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.056).
Retaliation Protection: A landlord cannot raise rent, reduce services, or file for eviction in retaliation for your exercising a legal right (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.331).
Lockout & Utility Shutoff: Self-help eviction is illegal. A landlord cannot change locks, remove doors, or shut off utilities to force you out without a court order (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.0081).
4. Security Deposit Rules in Cedar Park
Under Tex. Prop. Code § 92.103, your landlord must return your security deposit — along with a written, itemized list of any deductions — within 30 days after you surrender the property. You must provide a forwarding address. If the landlord wrongfully withholds the deposit in bad faith, you may sue for three times the withheld amount plus $100 and reasonable attorney fees (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.109). Normal wear and tear cannot be deducted. Texas law does not cap the amount a landlord may charge as a security deposit.
5. Eviction Process and Your Rights in Cedar Park
To evict a tenant in Cedar Park, a landlord must first provide written notice to vacate — typically 3 days for non-payment of rent (though your lease may specify a different period). If you do not vacate, the landlord must file a forcible detainer lawsuit in Williamson County Justice Court. You have the right to appear and contest the eviction. Only after a court judgment and a writ of possession is issued can the constable remove a tenant. Self-help eviction — including lockouts and utility shutoffs — is prohibited under Tex. Prop. Code § 92.0081 and may give rise to a civil claim against the landlord.
6. Resources for Cedar Park Tenants
Lone Star Legal Aid — Free civil legal services for low-income Williamson County residents, including eviction defense and deposit disputes.
Texas Law Help — Free legal information and forms on Texas tenant rights, deposits, and evictions.
This article provides general information about tenant rights in Cedar Park and is not legal advice. Laws change — verify current rules with a local attorney or tenant organization. Information reflects laws in effect as of April 2026.
Check Your Address
Find out if your home is covered by rent control or tenant protections.
No. Cedar Park has no rent control ordinance, and Texas state law (Tex. Prop. Code § 214.902) prohibits cities from enacting rent control. Landlords can raise rent by any amount with proper written notice.
How much can my landlord raise my rent in Cedar Park?
There is no limit on rent increases in Cedar Park or anywhere in Texas. For month-to-month tenants, the landlord must provide at least one month's written notice before a rent increase takes effect (Tex. Prop. Code § 91.001). Check your lease for any specific notice requirements.
How long does my landlord have to return my security deposit in Cedar Park?
Your landlord must return your security deposit within 30 days after you move out and provide a forwarding address, along with an itemized written statement of deductions (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.103). Wrongful withholding in bad faith can result in liability for 3× the deposit plus $100 and attorney fees (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.109).
What notice does my landlord need before evicting me in Cedar Park?
For nonpayment of rent, the landlord must give at least 3 days' written notice to vacate before filing in Justice Court. For terminating a month-to-month tenancy, at least one month's written notice is required (Tex. Prop. Code § 91.001). Your lease may specify longer notice periods.
Can my landlord lock me out or shut off utilities in Cedar Park?
No. Self-help eviction is illegal in Texas. A landlord cannot change your locks, remove your doors, or shut off utilities to force you out without first obtaining a court order (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.0081). If this happens, you may be entitled to damages.
What can I do if my landlord refuses to make repairs in Cedar Park?
Send your repair request in writing. If the landlord fails to make repairs that materially affect health or safety within a reasonable time, you may repair-and-deduct (up to the lesser of $500 or one month's rent), terminate the lease, or seek damages in court (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.056). You can also contact Cedar Park's code enforcement division or Lone Star Legal Aid for assistance.
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