Tenant Rights in Socorro, Texas

Last updated: April 2026

Socorro is a rapidly growing El Paso County city on the US-Mexico border. There is no local rent control, but Texas state law provides clear protections on security deposits, repairs, and eviction procedures.

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Key Takeaways

Rent Control: No rent control. Texas prohibits local rent control ordinances statewide (Tex. Prop. Code § 214.902).
Security Deposit: No statutory cap. Landlord must return within 30 days with itemized statement. Wrongful withholding: 3× the deposit (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.109).
Notice to Vacate: One month's written notice for month-to-month tenancies (Tex. Prop. Code § 91.001). For nonpayment: 3-day notice to vacate.
Just Cause Eviction: No just-cause requirement. Landlords may decline to renew for any lawful, non-discriminatory reason.
Local Resources: Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (trla.org), Texas Law Help (texaslawhelp.org)

1. Overview: Tenant Rights in Socorro

Socorro is a border city of approximately 35,000 in El Paso County, Texas, southeast of El Paso along the Rio Grande. Like all Texas cities, Socorro has no local rent control — Tex. Prop. Code § 214.902 prohibits local rent regulation statewide. Tenants are protected by the Texas Property Code, which sets rules on security deposits, repairs, and eviction procedures.

Texas RioGrande Legal Aid is the primary free civil legal services provider for El Paso County tenants. Texas Law Help at texaslawhelp.org also offers free statewide self-help resources.

2. Does Socorro Have Rent Control?

Socorro has no rent control. Tex. Prop. Code § 214.902 prohibits Texas cities and counties from enacting rent control or rent stabilization ordinances. Landlords may raise rent at lease renewal by any amount with one month's advance written notice for month-to-month tenancies (Tex. Prop. Code § 91.001).

3. Texas State Tenant Protections That Apply in Socorro

Texas Property Code protections apply in Socorro:

Security deposit return: Within 30 days of move-out with itemized deductions; 3× damages for bad-faith withholding (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.109).
Notice to terminate: One month's written notice for month-to-month tenancies (Tex. Prop. Code § 91.001); 3-day notice to vacate for nonpayment (Tex. Prop. Code § 24.005).
Repair and deduct: After two written requests, may repair-and-deduct up to the lesser of $500 or one month's rent for health/safety repairs (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.056).
Retaliation protection: Prohibited for repair requests or housing inspector contacts (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.331).
Lockout/utility prohibition: Self-help eviction is illegal (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.0081).

4. Security Deposit Rules in Socorro

Texas sets no cap on security deposits. In Socorro, landlords must return the deposit within 30 days of move-out with a written itemized statement (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.109). Bad-faith withholding entitles you to 3 times the deposit plus attorney's fees. Document the rental condition at move-in and move-out and provide your forwarding address in writing at move-out.

5. Eviction Process and Your Rights in Socorro

In Socorro, landlords must serve written notice before filing for eviction. For nonpayment, a 3-day notice to vacate is required (Tex. Prop. Code § 24.005). For month-to-month non-renewal, one month's written notice is required (Tex. Prop. Code § 91.001). After the notice period, the landlord files in El Paso County Justice of the Peace Court. Self-help eviction is illegal under Tex. Prop. Code § 92.0081 — only the constable can execute evictions after a court order.

6. Resources for Socorro Tenants

Texas RioGrande Legal Aid: Free civil legal help for income-eligible El Paso County residents — trla.org
Texas Law Help: Free statewide tenant self-help resources — texaslawhelp.org
El Paso County Justice of the Peace: Eviction filings — epcounty.com
Texas Attorney General: Tenant rights overview — texasattorneygeneral.gov

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Socorro, TX have rent control?

No. Tex. Prop. Code § 214.902 prohibits local rent control throughout Texas. Landlords in Socorro may raise rent at renewal by any amount with one month's advance written notice for month-to-month tenancies.

How much can my landlord raise my rent in Socorro, TX?

There is no cap on rent increases. Texas has no statewide rent control. Your landlord must give one month's written notice before any increase takes effect on a month-to-month lease.

How long does my landlord have to return my security deposit in Socorro, TX?

Within 30 days of move-out with a written itemized deduction statement (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.109). Bad-faith withholding entitles you to 3 times the deposit amount plus attorney's fees.

What notice does my landlord need before evicting me in Socorro, TX?

For nonpayment, a 3-day notice to vacate (Tex. Prop. Code § 24.005). For month-to-month non-renewal, one month's written notice (Tex. Prop. Code § 91.001). Formal eviction is filed in El Paso County Justice of the Peace Court.

Can my landlord lock me out or shut off utilities in Socorro, TX?

No. Self-help eviction is illegal under Tex. Prop. Code § 92.0081. A landlord who locks you out or shuts off utilities without a court order faces liability for actual damages plus one month's rent. Contact Texas RioGrande Legal Aid at trla.org.

What can I do if my landlord refuses to make repairs in Socorro, TX?

Under Tex. Prop. Code § 92.056, after two written requests you may repair-and-deduct up to the lesser of $500 or one month's rent for health or safety repairs. Contact Texas RioGrande Legal Aid at trla.org or Texas Law Help at texaslawhelp.org for guidance.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws can change; consult a licensed Texas attorney for advice specific to your situation.

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