San Angelo renters are protected by Texas state law, which sets firm rules on security deposits, repairs, and eviction — even though no rent control exists anywhere in the state. Here is what every San Angelo tenant needs to know.·Updated April 2026
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Key Takeaways
Discover whether rent control applies in San Angelo, TX below.
See the Texas timeline for getting your deposit back and the penalties for landlord violations.
Learn the notice your landlord owes you before terminating a Texas tenancy.
Find out whether just-cause eviction rules protect tenants in San Angelo.
Check whether San Angelo has tenant ordinances beyond what Texas law requires.
West Texas Legal Services (wtls.org), Texas Law Help (texaslawhelp.org)
1. Overview: Tenant Rights in San Angelo
San Angelo is the county seat of Tom Green County and the largest city in the Concho Valley region of West Texas. Home to Angelo State University, the city has a diverse rental market serving students, military families, and working residents. Texas state law — primarily the Texas Property Code — governs all landlord-tenant relationships in San Angelo. There is no local rent control, and Texas law expressly prohibits municipalities from enacting it (Tex. Prop. Code § 214.902). Texas does provide meaningful baseline protections on security deposits, habitability, retaliation, and the eviction process.
2. Does San Angelo Have Rent Control?
San Angelo has no rent control ordinance, and Texas state law expressly forbids any city or county from passing rent control measures (Tex. Prop. Code § 214.902). Landlords may raise rent by any amount, but must give adequate written notice. For month-to-month tenancies, at least one month's written notice is required to terminate or materially change the tenancy (Tex. Prop. Code § 91.001). Review your lease for any contractual notice requirements that may be longer than the statutory minimum.
3. Texas State Tenant Protections That Apply in San Angelo
Texas law provides the following key protections for San Angelo tenants:
Security Deposit: Landlords must return your deposit within 30 days of move-out with a written, itemized statement of deductions. Wrongful withholding in bad faith can expose the landlord to 3× the deposit amount plus $100 and attorney fees (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.109).
Repairs & Habitability: Landlords must make repairs that materially affect health or safety within a reasonable time after written notice. If they fail, you may repair-and-deduct (up to the lesser of $500 or one month's rent) or terminate the lease (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.056).
Retaliation Protection: A landlord cannot raise rent, reduce services, or file for eviction in retaliation for exercising a legal right, such as requesting repairs or contacting a housing inspector (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.331).
Lockout & Utility Shutoff: Self-help eviction is illegal. A landlord cannot change locks, remove doors, or shut off utilities without a court order (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.0081).
4. Security Deposit Rules in San Angelo
Under Tex. Prop. Code § 92.103, your landlord must return your security deposit — along with a written, itemized list of any deductions — within 30 days after you surrender the property and provide a forwarding address. Deductions are allowed only for unpaid rent and damages beyond normal wear and tear. If your landlord wrongfully withholds the deposit in bad faith, you may sue for three times the withheld amount plus $100 and reasonable attorney fees (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.109). Texas law does not cap the amount a landlord may charge as a security deposit.
5. Eviction Process and Your Rights in San Angelo
To evict a tenant in San Angelo, a landlord must first provide written notice to vacate — typically 3 days for nonpayment of rent, though the lease may specify a different period. If you do not vacate, the landlord must file a forcible detainer lawsuit in Tom Green County Justice Court. You have the right to appear and contest the eviction at a hearing. Only after a court judgment and a writ of possession is issued can a constable remove the tenant. Self-help eviction — including lockouts and utility shutoffs — is prohibited under Tex. Prop. Code § 92.0081 and may give rise to a civil claim against the landlord.
6. Resources for San Angelo Tenants
West Texas Legal Services — Free civil legal services for low-income residents of West Texas including Tom Green County, covering eviction defense and housing cases.
Texas Law Help — Free legal information and forms on Texas tenant rights, deposits, and evictions.
Texas RioGrande Legal Aid — Additional statewide tenant resource referrals for West and South Texas.
This article provides general information about tenant rights in San Angelo and is not legal advice. Laws change — verify current rules with a local attorney or tenant organization.
Check Your Address
Find out if your home is covered by rent control or tenant protections.
No. San Angelo has no rent control ordinance, and Texas state law (Tex. Prop. Code § 214.902) prohibits cities from enacting rent control. Landlords can raise rent by any amount with proper notice.
How much can my landlord raise my rent in San Angelo?
There is no limit on rent increases in San Angelo or anywhere in Texas. For month-to-month tenants, the landlord must provide at least one month's written notice before a rent increase takes effect (Tex. Prop. Code § 91.001). Check your lease for any specific notice requirements.
How long does my landlord have to return my security deposit in San Angelo?
Your landlord must return your security deposit within 30 days after you move out and provide a forwarding address, along with an itemized written statement of any deductions (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.103). Wrongful withholding in bad faith can result in liability for 3× the deposit plus $100 and attorney fees.
What notice does my landlord need before evicting me in San Angelo?
For nonpayment of rent, the landlord must give at least 3 days' written notice to vacate before filing in Justice Court. For termination of a month-to-month tenancy, at least one month's written notice is required (Tex. Prop. Code § 91.001). Your lease may specify longer notice periods.
Can my landlord lock me out or shut off utilities in San Angelo?
No. Self-help eviction is illegal in Texas. A landlord cannot change your locks, remove your doors, or shut off utilities without a court order (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.0081). If this happens, you may be entitled to damages.
What can I do if my landlord refuses to make repairs in San Angelo?
Send your repair request in writing. If the landlord fails to make repairs that materially affect health or safety within a reasonable time, you may repair-and-deduct (up to the lesser of $500 or one month's rent), terminate the lease, or seek damages in court (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.056). You can also contact the City of San Angelo's code enforcement division or West Texas Legal Services for free legal assistance.
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