Want to skip straight to checking your own building? Use the RentCheckMe address checker.
Richmond, Texas, the county seat of Fort Bend County, sits along the Brazos River southwest of Houston. Fort Bend County has been one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States, and Richmond's rental market reflects that growth — with new apartment complexes and single-family rentals catering to workers and families drawn to the greater Houston metro area. Renters here face a competitive housing environment and benefit from understanding the full scope of Texas tenant law.
Texas does not grant cities or counties the authority to pass rent control ordinances, so Richmond renters have no local rent stabilization protections. However, state law under the Texas Property Code does provide meaningful protections covering security deposits, habitability, anti-retaliation, and the eviction process. Knowing these rules can help you avoid losing money, endure unsafe conditions, or face an unlawful lockout.
This page summarizes the tenant rights laws that apply to renters in Richmond, Texas, as of April 2026. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you have a specific legal problem, consult a licensed attorney or contact a local legal aid organization.
Richmond has no rent control, and Texas law prohibits it. Under Tex. Prop. Code § 214.902, no city or county in Texas may enact, enforce, or maintain any ordinance or policy that controls the amount of rent charged for private residential housing. This statewide preemption means Richmond renters have no cap on how much a landlord can raise rent, and no local government can change that without a change in state law.
In practice, your landlord in Richmond can raise your rent by any dollar amount at the end of your lease term, or with proper advance notice on a month-to-month tenancy. There is no requirement that the increase be tied to inflation, the consumer price index, or any other benchmark. Your only protection against a mid-lease increase is your written lease agreement itself — a landlord generally cannot raise rent during a fixed-term lease unless the lease explicitly allows it.
If you are on a month-to-month tenancy, Texas law requires the landlord to give you at least one month's written notice before a rent increase takes effect (Tex. Prop. Code § 91.001). Renters who believe this lack of protection is a problem can engage with advocacy groups like the Houston Tenants Union to support future legislative efforts.
Texas state law provides several core tenant protections that apply in Richmond. Each is described below with the governing statute.
Habitability and Repairs (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.052–§ 92.061): Your landlord must make repairs that materially affect the health or safety of an ordinary tenant within a reasonable time after receiving written notice. To trigger your repair rights, you must provide written notice to the landlord and be current on rent. If the landlord fails to act, you may pursue remedies including: terminating the lease, filing a repair-and-deduct remedy up to the lesser of $500 or one month's rent (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.0561), or suing in Justice of the Peace court for a rent reduction or repair order.
Security Deposit Rules (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.101–§ 92.109): Texas does not cap the amount a landlord may charge for a security deposit. However, landlords must return the deposit within 30 days of move-out along with an itemized written statement of any deductions. Wrongfully withholding a deposit can result in liability of three times the withheld amount plus attorney's fees (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.109).
Notice to Terminate Tenancy (Tex. Prop. Code § 91.001): For month-to-month leases, either party must provide at least one month's written notice before terminating the tenancy. This notice period cannot be shortened to fewer than one month by lease agreement.
Anti-Retaliation Protection (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.331–§ 92.333): A landlord may not retaliate against a tenant for: reporting a housing code violation, requesting repairs, contacting a housing inspector, or organizing with other tenants. Prohibited retaliatory acts include raising rent, reducing services, filing an eviction, or threatening any of these actions. A tenant who prevails on a retaliation claim may recover one month's rent plus $500, attorney's fees, and court costs (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.333).
Lockout and Utility Shutoff Prohibition (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.0081): Self-help eviction is illegal in Texas. A landlord cannot change your locks, remove doors or windows, or intentionally interrupt utility service to force you out. If a landlord does any of these things, you have the right to recover possession of the dwelling and may be entitled to one month's rent plus $500, attorney's fees, and court costs.
Texas law governing security deposits is found at Tex. Prop. Code §§ 92.101–92.109. Here is what Richmond renters need to know:
No deposit cap: Texas does not limit the amount a landlord may charge as a security deposit. Your lease sets the deposit amount, and landlords in competitive markets like Fort Bend County may charge amounts ranging from one to two months' rent or more.
30-day return deadline: After you vacate the dwelling, your landlord has 30 days to return your security deposit. If the landlord makes deductions, they must simultaneously provide a written, itemized statement explaining each deduction. The 30-day clock starts when you surrender the premises (turn in keys and vacate).
Forwarding address: You must provide your landlord with a written forwarding address. If you fail to do so, the landlord is not in default for failing to return the deposit, but they must still return it within 30 days of receiving your forwarding address (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.107).
Penalty for wrongful withholding: If your landlord in bad faith withholds your deposit or fails to provide the required itemized statement, you may sue for three times the amount wrongfully withheld, plus $100, plus attorney's fees (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.109). Courts have interpreted "bad faith" broadly — a landlord who simply fails to respond within 30 days may be presumed to have acted in bad faith.
Normal wear and tear: Landlords may not deduct for normal wear and tear. Permissible deductions include unpaid rent, damage beyond normal use, and costs for cleaning a unit left substantially dirtier than when you moved in. Document your move-in and move-out condition with photos and written records.
Texas eviction law (called a "forcible detainer" action) is found primarily at Tex. Prop. Code §§ 24.001–24.011 and Tex. R. Civ. P. 510. Here is how the process works for Richmond renters.
Step 1 — Written Notice to Vacate: Before filing in court, a landlord must serve you with a written notice to vacate. The required notice period depends on the reason for eviction and your lease terms. For nonpayment of rent, the default notice period is 3 days (Tex. Prop. Code § 24.005), though your lease may specify a different period. For month-to-month lease termination without cause, the landlord must give at least one month's notice (Tex. Prop. Code § 91.001). Notice may be delivered in person, posted to the inside of the main entry door, or sent by certified mail.
Step 2 — Filing in Justice of the Peace Court: If you do not vacate after the notice period expires, the landlord may file an eviction suit at the Fort Bend County Justice of the Peace court with jurisdiction over Richmond. You will be served with a citation and a hearing date, typically set 10–21 days after filing.
Step 3 — The Hearing: Both parties appear before the Justice of the Peace. You have the right to present a defense — for example, that the landlord failed to make required repairs, that rent was actually paid, or that the eviction is retaliatory (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.331). Bring any written evidence, photos, payment records, and communications.
Step 4 — Judgment and Appeal: If the judge rules against you, you have 5 days to appeal to the County Court at Law, which triggers a de novo (new) hearing. Filing a bond or statement of inability to pay is required to stay enforcement during appeal.
Step 5 — Writ of Possession: If you do not appeal or lose the appeal, the court may issue a writ of possession authorizing a constable to remove you and your belongings. A constable — not your landlord — must carry out the physical removal.
Self-Help Eviction is Illegal: Your landlord cannot lock you out, remove your doors or windows, or shut off your electricity, gas, or water to force you to leave (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.0081). If this happens, you may call local law enforcement and can sue the landlord for one month's rent plus $500 and attorney's fees.
No Just-Cause Requirement: Texas does not require landlords to have a specific reason to terminate a month-to-month tenancy or decline to renew a lease. However, evictions that are motivated by retaliation for requesting repairs or contacting a housing inspector are unlawful (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.331).
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Tenant rights laws can change, and the application of any law depends on your specific facts and circumstances. If you have a legal problem involving your tenancy in Richmond, Texas, you should consult a licensed Texas attorney or contact a qualified legal aid organization. RentCheckMe makes no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of this information and is not liable for any actions taken in reliance on it. Always verify current statutes and local ordinances directly or with a qualified professional.
Find out if your home is covered by rent control or tenant protections.
Use the Address Checker →We'll email you if the rent cap, coverage rules, or tenant protections change — no spam, unsubscribe any time.