Tenant Rights in Temple, Texas

Last updated: April 2026

Temple renters in Bell County are protected by Texas state law covering security deposits, habitability, and eviction — even though no rent control exists anywhere in the state.

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Key Takeaways

Rent Control: None — Texas law (Tex. Prop. Code § 214.902) prohibits cities from enacting rent control.
Security Deposit: Must be returned within 30 days with an itemized statement. Wrongful withholding in bad faith can cost the landlord 3× the deposit plus attorney fees (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.109).
Notice to Vacate: Month-to-month tenants must receive at least 1 month's written notice before the landlord can terminate the tenancy (Tex. Prop. Code § 91.001).
Just Cause Eviction: Texas does not require just cause to terminate a lease at expiration. Landlords must follow the court eviction process.
Local Resources: Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (trla.org), Texas Law Help (texaslawhelp.org)

1. Overview: Tenant Rights in Temple

Temple is a city in Bell County in Central Texas, known as a regional healthcare hub and home to Scott & White Medical Center. The city has a diverse renter population including healthcare workers, military families near Fort Cavazos, and students. Texas state law — the Texas Property Code — governs all landlord-tenant relationships in Temple. There is no local rent control, and Texas law expressly prohibits municipalities from enacting it (Tex. Prop. Code § 214.902). Texas provides meaningful baseline protections on security deposits, habitability, retaliation, and the eviction process.

2. Does Temple Have Rent Control?

Temple has no rent control ordinance, and Texas state law expressly prohibits any city or county from enacting rent control (Tex. Prop. Code § 214.902). Landlords may raise rent by any amount. 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). Always review your lease for contractual notice requirements that may exceed the statutory minimum.

3. Texas State Tenant Protections That Apply in Temple

Texas law provides the following key protections for Temple 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 exposes 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. Remedies include repair-and-deduct (up to the lesser of $500 or one month's rent) or lease termination (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 (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.331).
Lockout & Utility Shutoff: Self-help eviction is illegal. A landlord cannot change locks or shut off utilities without a court order (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.0081).

4. Security Deposit Rules in Temple

Under Tex. Prop. Code § 92.103, your landlord must return your security deposit — along with a written, itemized list of deductions — within 30 days after you vacate and provide a forwarding address. Normal wear and tear cannot be deducted. 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 does not cap the dollar amount a landlord may charge as a security deposit.

5. Eviction Process and Your Rights in Temple

To evict a tenant in Temple, 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 Bell County Justice Court. You have the right to appear and contest the eviction. Only after a court judgment and a writ of possession may a constable remove the tenant. Self-help eviction — 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 Temple Tenants

Texas RioGrande Legal Aid — Free civil legal services for low-income Texans in Central Texas including Bell County, covering eviction defense and housing cases.
Texas Law Help — Free legal information and forms on Texas tenant rights, deposits, and evictions.
Lone Star Legal Aid — Additional statewide tenant resource referrals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Temple have rent control?

No. Temple 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 Temple?

There is no limit on rent increases in Temple or anywhere in Texas. For month-to-month tenants, the landlord must give 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 Temple?

Your landlord must return your security deposit within 30 days after you move out and provide a forwarding address, with an itemized written statement of deductions (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.103). Wrongful withholding in bad faith can result in 3× the deposit plus $100 and attorney fees.

What notice does my landlord need before evicting me in Temple?

For nonpayment of rent, the landlord must give at least 3 days' written notice to vacate. For termination of a month-to-month tenancy, at least one month's notice is required (Tex. Prop. Code § 91.001). The landlord must then file in Bell County Justice Court — self-help eviction is illegal.

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

No. Self-help eviction is illegal in Texas. A landlord cannot change your locks, remove 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 Temple?

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 (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.056). Contact Texas RioGrande Legal Aid for free legal assistance in Bell County.

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

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