Tenant Rights in Garland, Texas

Last updated: April 2026

Garland renters are protected by Texas state law, which sets clear rules on security deposits, repairs, and eviction — but offers no rent control. Here is what every Garland tenant should know.

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Key Takeaways

  • Rent Control: None — Texas law (Tex. Prop. Code § 214.902) prohibits cities from enacting rent control.
  • Security Deposit: Must be returned within 30 days with an itemized statement. Wrongful withholding can cost landlord 3× the deposit (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.109).
  • Notice to Vacate: Month-to-month tenants must receive at least 1 month's written notice before the landlord can terminate the tenancy (Tex. Prop. Code § 91.001).
  • Just Cause Eviction: Texas does not require just cause to terminate a lease at expiration. Landlords must follow the court eviction process.
  • Local Resources: Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas (lanwt.org) and Texas Law Help (texaslawhelp.org) serve Garland renters.

1. Overview: Tenant Rights in Garland

Garland is a large city in Dallas County with a significant renter population. Texas state law — primarily the Texas Property Code — governs the landlord-tenant relationship in Garland. There are no city-level rent control measures, and Texas law actively prohibits municipalities from enacting them (Tex. Prop. Code § 214.902). Despite this, Texas provides meaningful protections around security deposits, habitability, retaliation, and the eviction process.

2. Does Garland Have Rent Control?

Garland 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 your rent by any amount, but must provide adequate written notice — typically at least one month for month-to-month tenancies 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 Garland

Texas law provides the following key protections for Garland 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, such as requesting repairs or contacting a housing inspector (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 Garland

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 Garland

To evict a tenant in Garland, 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 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 Garland Tenants

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Garland have rent control?

No. Garland 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 notice.

How much can my landlord raise my rent in Garland?

There is no limit on rent increases in Garland 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 Garland?

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 any deductions (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.103). Wrongful withholding in bad faith can result in liability for 3× the deposit plus attorney fees.

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

For nonpayment of rent, the landlord must give at least 3 days' written notice to vacate before filing in Justice Court. For lease termination on 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 Garland?

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 Garland?

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 have the right to 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 may also contact the City of Garland's code enforcement division.

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

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