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Robinson is a growing residential community in McLennan County, situated just south of Waco. While smaller in population than nearby Waco, Robinson has seen steady residential development, and a meaningful portion of its residents rent their homes. Like all Texas cities, Robinson operates entirely under state landlord-tenant law — the Texas Property Code — with no additional local ordinances governing rent, deposits, or evictions.
Renters in Robinson most commonly have questions about security deposit returns, what to do when a landlord fails to make repairs, and how much notice is required before an eviction. Texas law provides specific, enforceable answers to each of these questions, and understanding those rules can help Robinson tenants protect themselves and avoid disputes.
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws can change, and every tenancy has unique facts. If you are facing an eviction or a serious dispute with your landlord, consult a licensed Texas attorney or contact a local legal aid organization.
Robinson has no rent control, and Texas law prohibits it. Under Tex. Prop. Code § 214.902, no city or county in Texas may adopt an ordinance that controls the price of rent. This statewide preemption statute was enacted specifically to prevent localities from establishing rent stabilization or rent control programs, and it applies equally to small cities like Robinson and large metros alike.
In practice, this means a landlord in Robinson can raise your rent by any amount at any time — provided they give you the legally required notice before the increase takes effect. For a month-to-month lease, that notice is at least one month in advance (Tex. Prop. Code § 91.001). Fixed-term leases (such as a one-year lease) cannot have the rent increased mid-term unless the lease itself specifically allows it. When your lease renews or expires, your landlord may propose any new rental amount without a legal cap.
Because there is no rent ceiling in Robinson or anywhere in Texas, renters facing steep rent increases have limited legal recourse. Your best protection is a fixed-term lease locking in your rate, and carefully reviewing any renewal terms before signing.
Texas law provides Robinson renters with several meaningful protections beyond the absence of rent control. Each applies statewide and is enforceable in Justice of the Peace courts.
Security Deposits (Tex. Prop. Code §§ 92.101–92.109): Texas law does not cap the amount a landlord may charge for a security deposit. However, after you move out, your landlord must return the deposit — along with a written, itemized list of any deductions — within 30 days. If the landlord wrongfully withholds the deposit without providing the required itemization, you may be entitled to recover three times the withheld amount plus reasonable attorney's fees (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.109).
Habitability and Repairs (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.056): Your landlord is required to make repairs that materially affect your health or safety within a reasonable time after you provide written notice. If your landlord fails to act, you may have the right to: (1) terminate the lease, (2) have the repair made and deduct the cost from rent (up to the lesser of $500 or one month's rent), or (3) seek a court order. You must follow the specific statutory steps — including delivering written notice and waiting the required time — before exercising these remedies.
Notice to Terminate (Tex. Prop. Code § 91.001): If you rent month-to-month, your landlord must give you at least one month's written notice before terminating your tenancy. You owe the same notice to your landlord when you choose to leave. Fixed-term leases end on the agreed date without additional notice unless the lease says otherwise.
Anti-Retaliation (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.331): A landlord may not retaliate against you for exercising a legal right — such as requesting repairs, complaining to a housing inspector, or joining a tenant organization. Prohibited retaliatory actions include raising your rent, reducing services, or attempting eviction within six months of the protected activity. If retaliation is proven, you may be entitled to a month's rent plus $500, actual damages, and attorney's fees (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.333).
Lockout and Utility Shutoff Prohibition (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.0081): A landlord cannot lock you out of your rental unit, remove doors or windows, or intentionally cut off your utilities to force you to leave. These self-help eviction tactics are illegal in Texas regardless of whether you owe rent. If your landlord does this, you have the right to recover possession of the unit, one month's rent plus $500, actual damages, and attorney's fees.
Texas law governs security deposits for all Robinson rentals under Tex. Prop. Code §§ 92.101 through 92.109. There is no statutory cap on how much a landlord may require as a security deposit — your landlord sets the amount, typically negotiated at lease signing.
Return deadline: After you vacate the unit, your landlord has 30 days to return your security deposit. If the landlord deducts any portion, they must include a written, itemized statement explaining each deduction. The statement must be mailed or delivered to your forwarding address.
Failure to comply: If your landlord fails to return the deposit or provide the itemized statement within 30 days — and the failure was not the result of your own wrongful conduct — you may sue to recover three times the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney's fees, under Tex. Prop. Code § 92.109. Courts have held that the landlord bears the burden of proving deductions were justified.
Practical tips: Always provide your landlord with a written forwarding address when you move out, document the condition of the unit with dated photos, and send your move-out notice in writing. Failing to provide a forwarding address can give the landlord a defense against a § 92.109 claim (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.107).
Evictions in Robinson follow the Texas eviction process governed primarily by Tex. Prop. Code §§ 24.001–24.011 and the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure. A landlord must follow every step of this process — there are no shortcuts.
Step 1 — Written Notice to Vacate (Tex. Prop. Code § 24.005): Before filing in court, a landlord must give you a written notice to vacate. The minimum notice periods are: 3 days for nonpayment of rent or lease violations (unless the lease provides a longer period); at least 1 month for terminating a month-to-month tenancy without cause (Tex. Prop. Code § 91.001). Notice must be delivered in person, by mail, or posted on the inside of the main entry door.
Step 2 — Filing in Justice of the Peace Court: If you do not vacate by the deadline in the notice, the landlord may file a Forcible Entry and Detainer (FED) suit in the Justice of the Peace court for McLennan County Precinct covering Robinson. You will be served with a citation stating the hearing date, which must be set between 10 and 21 days after filing.
Step 3 — The Hearing: Both parties appear before the Justice of the Peace. You have the right to present defenses, including failure to maintain habitability, improper notice, or retaliation. If the judge rules for the landlord, a judgment for possession is entered.
Step 4 — Writ of Possession: If you do not vacate after judgment, the landlord may request a Writ of Possession no sooner than 5 days after judgment (unless you appeal). A constable will post the writ, giving you 24 hours to leave before physical removal.
Appeal: You may appeal an eviction judgment to the County Court at Law within 5 days of the judgment by posting an appeal bond or filing a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment.
Self-help eviction is illegal: At no point in this process may your landlord lock you out, remove your belongings, shut off utilities, or otherwise force you out without a court order. Doing so violates Tex. Prop. Code § 92.0081 and entitles you to damages.
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Tenant rights laws are subject to change, and the application of any law depends on the specific facts of your situation. Robinson renters with active legal disputes — including evictions, security deposit claims, or habitability issues — should consult a licensed Texas attorney or contact a qualified legal aid organization in McLennan County. RentCheckMe makes no representations about the completeness or accuracy of this information and is not responsible for any actions taken in reliance on it.
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