Tenant Rights in McKinney, Texas

Last updated: April 2026

McKinney is one of Texas's fastest-growing cities, and renters here rely on the Texas Property Code for their core protections. No rent control exists, but deposits, repairs, and eviction procedures are tightly regulated.

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Key Takeaways

  • Rent Control: None — Texas law (Tex. Prop. Code § 214.902) prohibits rent control statewide.
  • Security Deposit: Must be returned within 30 days with itemized deductions. Wrongful withholding = up to 3× deposit plus fees (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.109).
  • Notice to Vacate: At least 1 month's written notice required to terminate a month-to-month tenancy (Tex. Prop. Code § 91.001).
  • Just Cause Eviction: No just-cause requirement. Court process required for all evictions.
  • Local Resources: Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas (lanwt.org) and Texas Law Help (texaslawhelp.org) serve McKinney renters.

1. Overview: Tenant Rights in McKinney

McKinney is the county seat of Collin County and one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. Tenant rights in McKinney are governed entirely by the Texas Property Code — the city has enacted no local landlord-tenant ordinances. Texas bans rent control statewide (Tex. Prop. Code § 214.902), but the state provides meaningful protections on security deposits, habitability, retaliation, and eviction procedures.

2. Does McKinney Have Rent Control?

McKinney has no rent control. Texas law (Tex. Prop. Code § 214.902) prohibits any city or county from enacting rent control ordinances. Landlords may increase rent by any amount with proper notice. For month-to-month tenancies, at least one month's written notice is required before the landlord can terminate the lease or raise the rent (Tex. Prop. Code § 91.001).

3. Texas State Tenant Protections That Apply in McKinney

Texas law provides the following key protections for McKinney tenants:

  • Security Deposit: Landlords must return the deposit within 30 days of move-out with a written itemized statement of deductions. Bad-faith withholding can result in 3× the withheld amount plus attorney fees (Tex. Prop. Code §§ 92.103, 92.109).
  • Repairs & Habitability: Landlords must repair conditions materially affecting health or safety after written notice. Tenants may repair-and-deduct (up to $500 or one month's rent) or terminate the lease if the landlord fails to act (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.056).
  • Retaliation Protection: Landlords cannot retaliate — through rent increases, service reductions, or eviction filings — against tenants who report housing code violations or exercise legal rights (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.331).
  • Lockout & Utility Shutoff: Changing locks or cutting utilities without a court order is prohibited (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.0081).

4. Security Deposit Rules in McKinney

McKinney landlords must return your security deposit within 30 days after you vacate and supply a forwarding address (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.103). The return must include a written, itemized list of any deductions. Texas does not limit the deposit amount a landlord may charge. If the deposit is wrongfully withheld in bad faith, you may sue for three times the withheld amount plus $100 and attorney fees (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.109). Deductions for normal wear and tear are not allowed.

5. Eviction Process and Your Rights in McKinney

To evict a tenant in McKinney, the landlord must provide written notice to vacate — at least 3 days for nonpayment of rent. If the tenant remains, the landlord must file a forcible detainer lawsuit in Collin County Justice Court. The tenant has the right to appear and contest the eviction. Only after a court judgment and a writ of possession is issued may a constable remove the tenant. Self-help eviction is prohibited under Tex. Prop. Code § 92.0081.

6. Resources for McKinney Tenants

Frequently Asked Questions

Does McKinney have rent control?

No. McKinney has no rent control ordinance, and Texas law (Tex. Prop. Code § 214.902) bars all cities from enacting rent control. Landlords may raise rent by any amount with proper notice.

How much can my landlord raise my rent in McKinney?

There is no cap on rent increases in McKinney. Month-to-month tenants must receive at least one month's written notice before a rent increase or lease termination (Tex. Prop. Code § 91.001). Review your lease for any additional notice requirements.

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

Your landlord must return your deposit within 30 days after you move out and provide a forwarding address, along with an itemized written statement of deductions (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.103). Wrongful bad-faith withholding can result in 3× the deposit plus attorney fees.

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

For nonpayment of rent, at least 3 days' written notice to vacate is required before filing in Justice Court. For ending a month-to-month tenancy, at least one month's written notice is required (Tex. Prop. Code § 91.001). The landlord must obtain a court judgment before removing you.

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

No. Texas law (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.0081) prohibits landlords from locking you out or cutting your utilities to force you out without a court order. Violations may entitle you to civil damages.

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

Put your repair request in writing. If the landlord does not fix conditions materially affecting health or safety within a reasonable time, you may repair-and-deduct (up to $500 or one month's rent), terminate the lease, or seek damages in court (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.056). Contact McKinney's code enforcement if needed.

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

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