Weslaco is a city in Hidalgo County in the Rio Grande Valley, one of the most affordable but economically challenged housing markets in Texas. Tenant rights in Weslaco are governed entirely by Texas state law. The city has not enacted any local tenant protection ordinances.
Texas law provides important protections for renters: a 30-day deposit return deadline with triple damages for wrongful withholding, repair-and-deduct rights, anti-retaliation protections, and a strict ban on self-help evictions. Rent control is expressly prohibited statewide. Renters in the Rio Grande Valley can access free legal aid through Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (trla.org).
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you are facing an eviction or housing dispute, contact Texas RioGrande Legal Aid or a licensed Texas attorney.
Weslaco has no rent control, and Texas state law prohibits it. Under Tex. Prop. Code § 214.902, no city or county in Texas may enact any ordinance that controls residential rent prices. This statewide preemption applies to Weslaco and all of Hidalgo County.
A landlord in Weslaco may raise rent by any amount, provided they give at least one month’s written notice to month-to-month tenants before the increase takes effect (Tex. Prop. Code § 91.001). Fixed-term leases protect the agreed rent for the lease duration.
Texas state law provides several important protections for Weslaco renters.
Habitability and Repairs (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.056): Landlords must make health-and-safety repairs within a reasonable time after written notice. Remedies include lease termination, repair-and-deduct (up to the lesser of $500 or one month’s rent), or justice court action. Tenants must be current on rent.
Security Deposits (Tex. Prop. Code §§ 92.101–92.109): Landlords must return deposits within 30 days of move-out with a written itemized deduction statement. Wrongful withholding can result in three times the withheld amount plus attorney’s fees. No cap on deposit amount.
Notice to Terminate (Tex. Prop. Code § 91.001): At least one month’s written notice required to end a month-to-month tenancy.
Anti-Retaliation (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.331): Retaliation for requesting repairs or contacting code enforcement is prohibited. Remedies include one month’s rent plus $500, actual damages, and attorney’s fees.
Lockout and Utility Shutoff Prohibition (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.0081): Self-help eviction is illegal. Landlords cannot change locks, remove doors, or cut off utilities to force a tenant out.
Security deposit rules in Weslaco are governed by Texas state law. There is no cap on the amount a landlord may charge.
Your landlord has 30 days after you vacate to return your deposit with a written itemized statement. You must provide a written forwarding address to trigger the deadline (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.107).
Wrongful withholding entitles you to three times the withheld amount, plus $100, plus attorney’s fees under Tex. Prop. Code § 92.109. Normal wear and tear cannot be deducted. Claims can be filed in Hidalgo County Justice Court. Document the unit’s condition with photos at move-in and move-out.
Weslaco landlords must follow Texas’s formal eviction process. Self-help eviction is illegal under Tex. Prop. Code § 92.0081.
Step 1 — Written Notice to Vacate: For nonpayment or lease violations, at least 3 days’ written notice to vacate is required (Tex. Prop. Code § 24.005). For month-to-month termination without cause, at least 1 month’s written notice is required.
Step 2 — Filing an Eviction Suit: If you do not vacate, the landlord files a Forcible Entry and Detainer suit in Hidalgo County Justice Court. A hearing is set within 10–21 days.
Step 3 — Hearing: Both parties present their case. You have 5 days to appeal if you lose.
Step 4 — Writ of Possession: A constable enforces the writ if you do not vacate after judgment.
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Tenant rights laws can change, and the application of any law depends on the specific facts of your situation. Consult a licensed Texas attorney or a legal aid organization for advice specific to your situation. RentCheckMe makes no guarantee that the information on this page is current, complete, or accurate.
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