Tenant Rights in College Station, Texas

Last updated: April 2026

College Station is home to Texas A&M University and a renter population that is predominantly students. Texas state law is your only protection — no local ordinances apply.

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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: Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (trla.org), Texas Law Help (texaslawhelp.org)

1. Overview: Tenant Rights in College Station

College Station is a university city in Brazos County, home to Texas A&M University's main campus. With over 70,000 students, the city has one of the highest renter-to-owner ratios in Texas. Despite the large renter population, College Station has enacted no local tenant protections. All renter rights are governed by the Texas Property Code, Chapter 92.

Student renters should be especially attentive to lease terms, security deposit documentation, and repair request procedures — these are the most common areas of dispute in a college rental market.

2. Does College Station Have Rent Control?

College Station has no rent control. Texas state law (Tex. Prop. Code § 214.902) prohibits all Texas cities and counties from enacting rent control ordinances. Near-campus rental rates are market-driven and can fluctuate significantly — your landlord can raise rent by any amount at lease renewal with no legal restriction.

3. Texas State Tenant Protections That Apply in College Station

Texas Property Code Chapter 92 provides the following protections for College Station renters:

  • Security Deposit: Returned within 30 days of move-out with a written itemized statement. Bad-faith withholding can result in 3× the deposit amount plus attorney's fees (Tex. Prop. Code §§ 92.103, 92.109).
  • Repairs & Habitability: Landlords must repair conditions that materially affect health or safety after written notice within a reasonable time. 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: Month-to-month tenants are entitled to at least 1 month's written notice before the landlord can end the tenancy (Tex. Prop. Code § 91.001).
  • Anti-Retaliation: Landlords cannot raise rent, cut services, or retaliate against you for exercising legal rights (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.331).
  • No Self-Help Eviction: Lockouts and utility shutoffs without a court order are illegal in Texas (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.0081).

4. Security Deposit Rules in College Station

Texas places no cap on security deposit amounts. In the College Station student rental market, deposits can be substantial. After move-out, the landlord has 30 days to return the deposit with a written itemized statement (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.103). If the landlord withholds your deposit in bad faith, you can recover three times the wrongfully withheld amount plus attorney's fees (§ 92.109). Student renters should always do a thorough move-in walkthrough and document every existing condition with photos and written confirmation from the landlord.

5. Eviction Process and Your Rights in College Station

College Station landlords must serve a 3-day notice to vacate before filing an eviction suit in Brazos County Justice of the Peace court. A court judgment is required before a constable can remove you. Self-help eviction is illegal — no lockouts, utility shutoffs, or removal of belongings without a court order (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.0081). Texas A&M's Student Legal Services may provide free or low-cost legal advice for enrolled students facing housing issues.

6. Resources for College Station Tenants

Frequently Asked Questions

Does College Station have rent control?

No. College Station has no rent control, and Texas law (Tex. Prop. Code § 214.902) prohibits all Texas cities from enacting rent control. Near-campus rents are market-driven with no legal ceiling.

How much can my landlord raise my rent in College Station?

There is no legal limit. Texas bans rent control statewide. Student rental rates near campus can be raised by any amount at lease renewal, which often occurs annually in the summer.

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

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). Student renters should document everything at move-in.

What notice does my landlord need before evicting me in College Station?

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

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

No. Self-help eviction is illegal in Texas (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.0081). Your landlord must obtain a court order. If you are illegally locked out, contact Texas RioGrande Legal Aid or Texas A&M Student Legal Services.

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

Submit a written repair request. Under Tex. Prop. Code § 92.056, your landlord must fix health-and-safety issues within a reasonable time. If they fail to act, you may repair-and-deduct, terminate the lease, or seek a rent reduction. Document all communications in writing.

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

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