DeSoto is a suburban city in southern Dallas County, part of the Best Southwest area of the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. The city is home to a diverse, working-class and middle-class community with a high rate of owner-occupied and renter-occupied households. DeSoto's rental market includes single-family homes, apartments, and townhomes. All landlord-tenant relationships in DeSoto are governed by Texas state law.
The Texas Property Code (Tex. Prop. Code §§ 91–92) establishes the rules for security deposits, habitability, eviction procedures, and tenant protections statewide. DeSoto has not enacted any local tenant ordinances beyond state law. Common tenant questions involve security deposit return timelines, landlord repair obligations, and the eviction process.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you have a pressing housing issue, contact Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas or a qualified Texas attorney.
DeSoto has no rent control, and Texas law prohibits it. Under Tex. Prop. Code § 214.902, the Texas Legislature has explicitly prohibited cities and counties from enacting any rent control ordinance. No Texas city or county — including DeSoto and Dallas County — may cap rents by ordinance, resolution, or ballot initiative.
Your landlord in DeSoto may raise rent by any amount at the end of a lease term or with proper notice on a month-to-month tenancy. There is no cap on increases, no required justification, and no local agency reviewing rent changes. The only statutory protection is Tex. Prop. Code § 92.331, which bars landlords from raising rent in retaliation for a tenant exercising a legal right such as requesting repairs or contacting a housing inspector.
During a fixed-term lease, your landlord generally cannot raise rent until the lease expires unless the lease explicitly permits mid-term increases.
Texas Property Code provisions (Tex. Prop. Code §§ 91–92) provide DeSoto renters with the following key protections:
Habitability (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.056): Landlords must make repairs that materially affect the health or safety of an ordinary tenant within a reasonable time after receiving written notice. Tenant remedies include repair-and-deduct (up to the lesser of $500 or one month's rent) and lease termination if the landlord fails to act.
Security Deposit Rules (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.109): Landlords must return the deposit within 30 days of move-out along with an itemized written statement of any deductions. There is no statutory cap on the deposit amount. A landlord who wrongfully withholds a deposit may be liable for 3 times the deposit amount plus $100, attorney's fees, and court costs.
Notice Requirements (Tex. Prop. Code § 91.001): To end a month-to-month tenancy, either party must give at least 1 month's written notice before the end of the rental period.
Anti-Retaliation (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.331): A landlord may not raise rent, cut services, or attempt eviction in retaliation for a tenant requesting repairs, reporting code violations, or exercising other legal rights.
Lockout and Utility Shutoff Prohibition (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.0081): Self-help eviction is illegal in Texas. A landlord cannot lock out tenants, remove doors, disconnect utilities, or remove belongings to force them out without going through the courts.
Texas law governs how DeSoto landlords must handle security deposits under Tex. Prop. Code § 92.102–92.109.
No statutory cap: Texas does not limit the amount a landlord may charge for a security deposit. DeSoto has no local cap, so landlords may require any amount — market norms in the Dallas area typically run one to two months' rent.
Return deadline: The landlord must return the deposit within 30 days after the tenancy ends and the tenant surrenders possession, along with an itemized written statement of any deductions claimed (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.103).
Permitted deductions: Landlords may deduct for unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, and other charges permitted by the lease. Routine cleaning and normal wear do not justify deductions.
Penalty for non-compliance: A landlord who in bad faith retains a deposit may be liable for 3 times the deposit amount plus $100 and attorney's fees (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.109). Provide a written forwarding address after move-out and document the unit's condition thoroughly.
Evictions in DeSoto follow the Texas eviction (Forcible Detainer) process under Tex. Prop. Code §§ 24.001–24.011 and Rules 510 of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.
Step 1 — Written Notice to Vacate:
Step 2 — Filing in Justice Court: If the tenant does not vacate, the landlord files an eviction suit in Dallas County Justice Court (Precinct covering DeSoto). The tenant is served and a hearing is typically set within 10–21 days.
Step 3 — Hearing and Judgment: Both parties may appear and present their case. A judgment for possession allows the landlord to request a Writ of Possession after a mandatory waiting period.
Step 4 — Writ of Possession: A Dallas County constable serves the Writ. The tenant has 24 hours to vacate once the Writ is posted (Tex. Prop. Code § 24.0061).
Self-Help Eviction is Illegal: Under Tex. Prop. Code § 92.0081, landlords may not lock out tenants, shut off utilities, or remove belongings to force them out. Tenants may sue for actual damages, one month's rent, attorney's fees, and court costs.
This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information reflects Texas law as of April 2026, but laws and local regulations can change. RentCheckMe is not a law firm. If you are facing eviction, a security deposit dispute, or any other housing matter, consult a licensed Texas attorney or contact Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas.
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