Tenant Rights in New Braunfels, Texas

Last updated: April 2026

New Braunfels is one of Texas's fastest-growing cities, set between San Antonio and Austin in Comal County. Renters here are protected by Texas state law — here's what you need to know.

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Key Takeaways

  • Rent Control: None — Texas prohibits local rent control statewide (Tex. Prop. Code § 214.902). Landlords may raise rent by any amount with proper notice.
  • Security Deposit: No statutory cap. Must be returned within 30 days of move-out with an itemized statement (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.109). Bad-faith withholding can cost landlord 3× the deposit in damages.
  • 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: Not required in Texas. Landlords may decline to renew without a stated reason.
  • Local Resources: Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (trla.org), Texas Law Help (texaslawhelp.org)

1. Overview: Tenant Rights in New Braunfels

New Braunfels is consistently ranked among the fastest-growing cities in the United States, fueled by its position on the I-35 corridor between San Antonio and Austin. Its scenic rivers, historic downtown, and expanding job market have drawn tens of thousands of new residents, creating a busy rental market that includes apartments, single-family homes, and short-term vacation rentals. New Braunfels sits primarily in Comal County with portions in Guadalupe County.

New Braunfels has no local tenant protection ordinances — all renter rights in the city come from Texas state law, principally Tex. Prop. Code Chapter 92. This statute governs security deposits, landlord duties to repair and maintain habitability, anti-retaliation protections, and the prohibition on self-help evictions. Understanding these rights is essential for any renter in New Braunfels.

This guide is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Tenants facing urgent housing issues should contact Texas RioGrande Legal Aid or Texas Law Help.

2. Does New Braunfels Have Rent Control?

New Braunfels has no rent control, and no Texas city can enact one. Tex. Prop. Code § 214.902 expressly prohibits any municipality or county from adopting rent control ordinances. Landlords in New Braunfels may raise rent by any amount — there is no cap, no percentage limit, and no requirement to justify an increase.

On a month-to-month tenancy, a landlord must give at least one month's written notice before a rent increase takes effect (Tex. Prop. Code § 91.001). At the end of a fixed-term lease, the landlord may offer renewal at any new rate without prior approval or explanation. Tenants who cannot afford the new rate have no legal mechanism under Texas law to challenge the amount of the increase.

3. Texas State Tenant Protections That Apply in New Braunfels

New Braunfels renters are protected by Texas Property Code Chapter 92:

  • Security Deposit: No state cap on deposit amounts, but landlords must return the deposit within 30 days of move-out with a written itemized statement of deductions (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.109). Wrongful withholding in bad faith exposes the landlord to 3× the deposit amount in damages, plus attorney's fees and court costs.
  • Notice to Terminate: Month-to-month tenants must receive at least 1 month's written notice before the landlord can end the tenancy (Tex. Prop. Code § 91.001).
  • Repairs and Habitability: Landlords must make repairs that materially affect health or safety within a reasonable time after written notice. If they fail, tenants may pursue repair-and-deduct remedies (up to the lesser of $500 or one month's rent) or lease termination (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.056).
  • Retaliation Protection: Landlords cannot raise rent, cut services, or retaliate against a tenant for requesting repairs, contacting a housing inspector, or exercising any legal right (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.331).
  • No Self-Help Eviction: Lockouts, utility shutoffs, and removal of belongings without a court order are all illegal in Texas (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.0081).

4. Security Deposit Rules in New Braunfels

Texas does not cap security deposit amounts, so New Braunfels landlords may charge any amount. However, under Tex. Prop. Code § 92.109, your landlord must return your deposit within 30 days of move-out along with a written itemized statement of any deductions. If your landlord wrongfully withholds your deposit in bad faith, you may recover 3× the amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney's fees and court costs in a civil action — one of the strongest deposit penalties in Texas.

Deductions are only permitted for unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear. Document the unit's condition with timestamped photos and video at both move-in and move-out to protect against improper deductions. Small claims up to $20,000 can be filed in Comal County Justice of the Peace Court.

5. Eviction Process and Your Rights in New Braunfels

Evictions in New Braunfels must follow Texas's formal court process. The landlord must first serve written notice — typically a 3-day notice to vacate for nonpayment of rent or a lease violation. To end a month-to-month tenancy, at least 1 month's written notice is required (Tex. Prop. Code § 91.001). If the tenant does not comply, the landlord files a forcible detainer action in Comal County Justice of the Peace Court and must obtain a judgment before you can be removed.

Self-help eviction is illegal in Texas. Lockouts, utility shutoffs, removal of doors, and seizure of belongings without a court order are prohibited under Tex. Prop. Code § 92.0081. If your landlord engages in self-help, contact Texas RioGrande Legal Aid immediately. Texas does not require just cause to decline renewing a lease.

6. Resources for New Braunfels Tenants

  • Texas RioGrande Legal Aid — Free civil legal services for low-income Texans, including renters in the San Antonio–New Braunfels corridor and throughout South Texas.
  • Texas Law Help — Free legal information, guides, and forms on Texas tenant rights, evictions, and security deposits.
  • Lone Star Legal Aid — Free civil legal aid for eligible Texans across a large portion of the state.
  • Austin Tenants Council — Tenant rights counseling and education serving the greater Austin–San Marcos area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does New Braunfels have rent control?

No. New Braunfels has no rent control ordinance, and Texas state law prohibits any municipality from enacting one (Tex. Prop. Code § 214.902). Landlords can raise rent by any amount with proper notice.

How much can my landlord raise my rent in New Braunfels?

There is no legal limit on rent increases in New Braunfels or anywhere in Texas. On a month-to-month tenancy, your landlord must give at least 1 month's written notice before the new rate takes effect (Tex. Prop. Code § 91.001). At lease expiration, a landlord may offer renewal at any new rate.

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

30 days from the date you move out, along with a written itemized statement of any deductions (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.109). If your landlord withholds the deposit in bad faith, you may recover 3× the wrongfully withheld amount plus attorney's fees and court costs.

What notice does my landlord need before evicting me in New Braunfels?

For nonpayment of rent or lease violations, a 3-day notice to vacate is standard. To end a month-to-month tenancy, at least 1 month's written notice is required (Tex. Prop. Code § 91.001). After proper notice, the landlord must file in Comal County Justice of the Peace Court and obtain a judgment before you can be removed.

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

No. Self-help eviction is illegal in Texas under Tex. Prop. Code § 92.0081. Lockouts, utility shutoffs, removal of doors, and seizure of belongings without a court order are all prohibited. If this happens, contact Texas RioGrande Legal Aid immediately.

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

Under Tex. Prop. Code § 92.056, send your landlord a written notice describing the condition affecting health or safety. If there is no action within a reasonable time, you may be entitled to repair-and-deduct (up to the lesser of $500 or one month's rent) or to terminate the lease. Keep copies of all written communications and contact Texas RioGrande Legal Aid for guidance.

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

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