Tenant Rights in Lubbock, Texas

Last updated: April 2026

Lubbock renters are protected by Texas state law, which prohibits rent control, requires landlords to return deposits within 30 days, and bars self-help evictions and retaliation. Here is what you need 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: West Texas Legal Services (wtls.org), Texas Law Help (texaslawhelp.org), Lubbock Housing Authority

1. Overview: Tenant Rights in Lubbock

Lubbock is the largest city in West Texas and the seat of Lubbock County, home to Texas Tech University and a significant student and working-class renter population. Like all Texas cities, Lubbock cannot enact rent control under state law. Texas does, however, provide meaningful protections on security deposits, repairs, retaliation, and self-help eviction. West Texas Legal Services offers free legal help to eligible Lubbock renters.

2. Does Lubbock Have Rent Control?

Lubbock has no rent control and cannot have it under Texas law. Tex. Prop. Code § 214.902 expressly prohibits any city or county in Texas from adopting a rent control ordinance. This means landlords in Lubbock may raise rent by any amount, at any time, as long as they provide proper notice and comply with any existing lease terms.

3. Texas State Tenant Protections That Apply in Lubbock

Texas state law provides these key protections for Lubbock 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. Wrongfully withholding a deposit can result in liability for 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 Lubbock

Under Tex. Prop. Code § 92.103, Lubbock 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 law does not cap the amount of a security deposit, but it strictly regulates its return. If a landlord wrongfully withholds your deposit in bad faith, Tex. Prop. Code § 92.109 allows you to recover 3 times the withheld amount, plus $100, plus attorney's fees. Always document your move-out condition thoroughly.

5. Eviction Process and Your Rights in Lubbock

To evict a Lubbock tenant, a landlord must first serve a written Notice to Vacate — typically 3 days for nonpayment or lease violations, or at least 1 month for a month-to-month termination (Tex. Prop. Code §§ 24.005, 91.001). If the tenant does not leave, the landlord must file a Forcible Detainer (eviction) suit in Lubbock County Justice of the Peace Court. Self-help eviction — locking the tenant out, removing doors, or shutting off utilities — is illegal under Tex. Prop. Code § 92.0081 and can result in significant damages. Tenants have the right to a court hearing before being removed.

6. Resources for Lubbock Tenants

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Lubbock 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 Lubbock may raise rent by any amount with proper notice.

How much can my landlord raise my rent in Lubbock?

There is no limit on rent increases in Lubbock. 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 Lubbock?

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). If the landlord wrongfully withholds the deposit in bad faith, you may be entitled to 3 times the amount plus $100 and attorney's fees (§ 92.109).

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

For nonpayment of rent or lease violations, a landlord must provide at least 3 days' written Notice to Vacate (Tex. Prop. Code § 24.005). For ending a month-to-month tenancy without cause, at least 1 month's notice is required (§ 91.001). After that, 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 Lubbock?

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 Lubbock?

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 West Texas Legal Services for free guidance.

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

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