Tenant Rights in Waco, Texas

Last updated: April 2026

Waco is a growing Central Texas city with a large student and working-class renter population. No local tenant protections exist — your rights come entirely from Texas state law.

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Key Takeaways

  • Rent Control: None — Tex. Prop. Code § 214.902 bans rent control statewide.
  • Security Deposit: Returned within 30 days with itemized statement. Wrongful withholding = 3× damages (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.109).
  • Notice to Vacate: At least 1 month's written notice to end a month-to-month tenancy (Tex. Prop. Code § 91.001).
  • Just Cause Eviction: Not required in Texas.
  • Local Resources: Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (trla.org), Texas Law Help (texaslawhelp.org), Waco Housing Authority

1. Overview: Tenant Rights in Waco

Waco is the largest city in McLennan County and a growing Central Texas hub, home to Baylor University and a booming real estate market boosted in part by national media attention. The renter population includes students, military families, and long-time residents. Waco has no local tenant ordinances — the Texas Property Code (Chapter 92) governs all landlord-tenant relationships here.

2. Does Waco Have Rent Control?

Waco has no rent control. Texas state law (Tex. Prop. Code § 214.902) prohibits every Texas city and county from enacting rent control. There is no state-level rent stabilization either. Your landlord can raise rent by any amount at the end of a lease term or with proper written notice on a month-to-month tenancy.

3. Texas State Tenant Protections That Apply in Waco

Texas Property Code Chapter 92 provides the following protections for Waco renters:

  • Security Deposit: Returned within 30 days of move-out with a written itemized statement. Wrongful withholding can result in 3× the deposit amount plus attorney's fees (Tex. Prop. Code §§ 92.103, 92.109).
  • Repairs & Habitability: Landlords must repair health-and-safety conditions after written notice within a reasonable time. Tenant remedies include repair-and-deduct (up to $500 or one month's rent), lease termination, or rent reduction (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.056).
  • Notice to Terminate: At least 1 month's written notice required to end a month-to-month tenancy (Tex. Prop. Code § 91.001).
  • Anti-Retaliation: Landlords cannot raise rent, cut services, or retaliate for tenants exercising their legal rights (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.331).
  • No Self-Help Eviction: Lockouts and utility shutoffs without a court order are illegal (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.0081).

4. Security Deposit Rules in Waco

Texas imposes no cap on security deposit amounts, so Waco landlords can charge any amount. After move-out, the landlord has 30 days to return the deposit with a written itemized statement of deductions (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.103). If the landlord withholds the deposit in bad faith, you may recover three times the wrongfully withheld amount plus attorney's fees (§ 92.109). Document the unit at move-in and move-out to protect your deposit.

5. Eviction Process and Your Rights in Waco

Waco landlords must follow Texas's eviction process: first serve a 3-day notice to vacate, then file an eviction suit in Justice of the Peace court if the tenant does not leave. A court judgment is required before you can be removed. Self-help eviction is illegal — lockouts, utility shutoffs, and removal of property without a court order are prohibited (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.0081). Texas RioGrande Legal Aid provides free eviction defense assistance for income-eligible Waco renters.

6. Resources for Waco Tenants

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Waco have rent control?

No. Waco has no rent control, and Texas law (Tex. Prop. Code § 214.902) bans all Texas cities from enacting rent control ordinances. Landlords can raise rent by any amount.

How much can my landlord raise my rent in Waco?

There is no legal limit on rent increases in Waco or anywhere in Texas. Landlords must provide at least 1 month's written notice before a rent increase takes effect on a month-to-month tenancy.

How long does my landlord have to return my security deposit in Waco?

30 days after move-out, with a written itemized statement of deductions (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.103). Bad-faith withholding can result in 3× the withheld amount plus attorney's fees (§ 92.109).

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

A 3-day notice to vacate, then a court filing if the tenant does not leave. A court judgment is required before you can be removed. Month-to-month tenancies require 1 month's notice to terminate (Tex. Prop. Code § 91.001).

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

No. Self-help eviction is illegal in Texas (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.0081). Your landlord must obtain a court order. Contact Texas RioGrande Legal Aid if you are illegally locked out.

What can I do if my landlord refuses to make repairs in Waco?

Send a written repair request. Under Tex. Prop. Code § 92.056, your landlord must fix health-and-safety conditions within a reasonable time. Remedies include repair-and-deduct, lease termination, or rent reduction. Keep all repair requests in writing.

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

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