Tenant Rights in Galveston, Texas

Last updated: April 2026

Galveston renters live on one of Texas’s most storied barrier islands, but their tenant protections come entirely from state law. Here is what you need to know about your rights in Galveston County.

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Key Takeaways

Rent Control: No rent control. Texas state law prohibits all cities and counties from enacting rent control ordinances (Tex. Prop. Code § 214.902).
Security Deposit: Must be returned within 30 days of move-out with an itemized statement of deductions. Wrongful withholding in bad faith can result in 3× the deposit amount plus $100 and attorney’s fees (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.109).
Notice to Vacate: 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).
Just Cause Eviction: No just cause eviction requirement. Texas landlords may end a month-to-month tenancy without cause with proper notice.
Local Resources: Lone Star Legal Aid (lonestarlegal.blog), Texas Law Help (texaslawhelp.org)

1. Overview: Tenant Rights in Galveston

Galveston is a historic coastal city and the county seat of Galveston County, situated on a barrier island along the Gulf of Mexico. Its rental market includes a mix of year-round residents, seasonal visitors, and students attending Texas A&M University at Galveston. Like all Texas cities, Galveston has no local tenant protection ordinances — renter rights here come entirely from Texas state law.

Texas landlord-tenant law is found in the Texas Property Code, Chapters 91 and 92. The state provides meaningful protections on security deposit returns, habitability repairs, retaliation, and illegal self-help evictions. Lone Star Legal Aid serves Galveston County renters who need free civil legal assistance.

2. Does Galveston Have Rent Control?

Galveston has no rent control, and Texas state law ensures that will never change. Tex. Prop. Code § 214.902 expressly prohibits any city or county in Texas from adopting a rent control ordinance. Landlords in Galveston may raise rent by any amount, with no statewide or local ceiling. The only constraint is proper notice and compliance with existing lease terms.

3. Texas State Tenant Protections That Apply in Galveston

Texas state law provides the following key protections for Galveston renters:

Security Deposit (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.103 & § 92.109): Landlords must return your deposit within 30 days of move-out along with an itemized written statement of any deductions. Wrongful withholding in bad faith can result in 3 times the deposit amount plus $100 and attorney’s fees.
Notice to Terminate (Tex. Prop. Code § 91.001): For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must give at least 1 month’s written notice before terminating the tenancy.
Repairs and Habitability (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.056): Landlords must make repairs that materially affect health or safety within a reasonable time after written notice. Tenants may repair-and-deduct (up to the lesser of $500 or one month’s rent) or terminate the lease if the landlord fails to act.
Retaliation Protection (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.331): Landlords cannot raise rent, cut services, or evict in retaliation for requesting repairs, filing a complaint, or exercising a legal right.
Lockout and Utility Shutoff (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.0081): Self-help eviction is illegal. Landlords cannot lock you out, remove doors, or cut off utilities to force you out without a court order.

4. Security Deposit Rules in Galveston

Under Tex. Prop. Code § 92.103, Galveston landlords must return your security deposit within 30 days of your move-out date. Along with the refund (or in lieu of it), the landlord must provide a written, itemized statement of any deductions. Texas does not cap the deposit amount, but it strictly governs the return. A landlord who wrongfully withholds your deposit in bad faith faces liability for 3 times the amount withheld, plus $100, plus attorney’s fees under Tex. Prop. Code § 92.109. Document your unit’s condition at move-in and move-out with timestamped photos.

5. Eviction Process and Your Rights in Galveston

To evict a Galveston tenant, a landlord must first serve a written Notice to Vacate — typically 3 days for nonpayment of rent or a lease violation, or at least 1 month for ending a month-to-month tenancy without cause (Tex. Prop. Code §§ 24.005, 91.001). If the tenant does not leave, the landlord must file a Forcible Detainer suit in Galveston County Justice of the Peace Court. Self-help eviction is illegal under Tex. Prop. Code § 92.0081 — landlords who change locks, remove doors, or shut off utilities without a court order face significant liability. You have the right to a court hearing before removal.

6. Resources for Galveston Tenants

Lone Star Legal Aid — Free civil legal help for low-income renters in Galveston County and surrounding areas.
Texas Law Help — Free legal information and forms on Texas tenant rights, evictions, and deposits.
Texas RioGrande Legal Aid — Free civil legal services for low-income Texans statewide.
City of Galveston — Local government resources including code enforcement and housing information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Galveston have rent control?

No, and it cannot. Texas state law (Tex. Prop. Code § 214.902) prohibits all cities and counties from enacting rent control ordinances. Landlords in Galveston may raise rent by any amount with proper notice.

How much can my landlord raise my rent in Galveston?

There is no limit on rent increases in Galveston or anywhere in Texas. For month-to-month tenancies, your landlord must give at least 1 month’s written notice before a rent increase takes effect (Tex. Prop. Code § 91.001). For fixed-term leases, rent cannot be changed until the lease expires.

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

Your landlord has 30 days from your move-out date to return your deposit with an itemized written statement of any deductions (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.103). Wrongful withholding in bad faith can result in 3 times the withheld amount plus $100 and attorney’s fees (§ 92.109).

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

For nonpayment of rent or lease violations, a landlord must provide at least 3 days’ written Notice to Vacate (Tex. Prop. Code § 24.005). To end a month-to-month tenancy without cause, at least 1 month’s notice is required (§ 91.001). After notice, the landlord must file a Forcible Detainer suit in Galveston County Justice of the Peace Court.

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

No. Self-help eviction is illegal under Tex. Prop. Code § 92.0081. A landlord who changes your locks, removes doors, or shuts off utilities without a court order is liable for actual damages, one month’s rent plus $1,000, attorney’s fees, and court costs.

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

Send a written repair request to your landlord. If they fail to make repairs that materially affect health or safety within a reasonable time, Tex. Prop. Code § 92.056 may allow you to repair-and-deduct (up to $500 or one month’s rent, whichever is less) or terminate the lease. Contact Lone Star Legal Aid for free guidance.

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

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