Tenant Rights in Irving, Texas

Last updated: April 2026

Irving renters are protected by Texas state law, which bans rent control, requires security deposit return within 30 days, and prohibits self-help evictions and landlord retaliation. Here is what to know.

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Key Takeaways

  • Rent Control: No rent control. Texas state law prohibits all cities 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 can result in 3x damages (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: Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas (lanwt.org), Texas Law Help (texaslawhelp.org), Irving Housing Authority

1. Overview: Tenant Rights in Irving

Irving is a major suburban city in Dallas County, part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, with a large and diverse renter population. Like every Texas city, Irving cannot enact rent control under state law. Texas state law does, however, provide renters with important protections on security deposits, habitability, retaliation, and self-help eviction. Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas provides free legal assistance to eligible renters in the Irving area.

2. Does Irving Have Rent Control?

Irving has no rent control and cannot have any. Texas state law (Tex. Prop. Code § 214.902) prohibits all municipalities from adopting rent control ordinances. Landlords in Irving may raise rent by any amount at any time, as long as they provide proper notice and comply with lease terms.

3. Texas State Tenant Protections That Apply in Irving

Texas state law provides these key protections for Irving 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. Bad-faith withholding can result in liability for 3 times the deposit 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 ending the tenancy.
  • Repairs and Habitability (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.056): Landlords must make repairs affecting health or safety within a reasonable time after written notice. If they don't, you may repair-and-deduct (up to the lesser of $500 or one month's rent) or terminate the lease.
  • Retaliation Protection (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.331): Landlords cannot raise rent, cut services, or evict in retaliation for requesting repairs 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 utilities without a court order.

4. Security Deposit Rules in Irving

Under Tex. Prop. Code § 92.103, Irving landlords must return your security deposit within 30 days of your move-out date, along with a written, itemized statement of any deductions. Texas does not cap the deposit amount, but strictly regulates its return. If your landlord wrongfully withholds the deposit in bad faith, Tex. Prop. Code § 92.109 allows you to recover 3 times the withheld amount, plus $100, plus attorney's fees. Document your move-out condition with photos and written notice to strengthen your claim.

5. Eviction Process and Your Rights in Irving

To evict an Irving tenant, a landlord must first serve a written Notice to Vacate — at least 3 days for nonpayment or lease violations, or at least 1 month for terminating a month-to-month tenancy without cause (Tex. Prop. Code §§ 24.005, 91.001). If the tenant does not vacate, the landlord must file a Forcible Detainer suit in Dallas County Justice of the Peace Court. Self-help eviction — changing locks, removing doors, or shutting off utilities — is illegal under Tex. Prop. Code § 92.0081 and subjects the landlord to significant liability. Tenants have the right to contest the eviction in court.

6. Resources for Irving Tenants

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Irving have rent control?

No, and it legally cannot. Tex. Prop. Code § 214.902 prohibits all Texas cities and counties from enacting rent control. Irving landlords may raise rent by any amount with proper notice.

How much can my landlord raise my rent in Irving?

There is no limit on rent increases. For month-to-month tenancies, your landlord must give at least 1 month's written notice before the increase takes effect (Tex. Prop. Code § 91.001). Fixed-term lease rents cannot change until the lease expires.

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

30 days from your move-out date, with a written itemized statement of deductions (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.103). Bad-faith withholding can result in 3 times the deposit plus $100 and attorney's fees (§ 92.109).

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

At least 3 days' written Notice to Vacate for nonpayment or lease violations (Tex. Prop. Code § 24.005), or at least 1 month for ending a month-to-month tenancy without cause (§ 91.001). After notice, the landlord must file a Forcible Detainer suit in Justice of the Peace Court.

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

No. Self-help eviction is illegal under Tex. Prop. Code § 92.0081. A landlord who locks you out or cuts 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 Irving?

Send a written repair request. If the landlord fails to fix conditions 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) or terminate the lease. Contact Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas for free guidance.

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

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