Texas Tenant Rights Guide

Last updated: April 2026

Texas has no rent control anywhere in the state. Landlords can raise rent by any amount with proper notice. That said, Texas does have meaningful tenant protections on deposits, repairs, and retaliation.

Check your address to see what tenant protections apply to your rental.

Texas at a Glance

Rent control: None
Statewide rent cap: None — landlords can raise rent by any amount
Preemption: Texas state law prohibits cities and counties from enacting rent control ordinances (Tex. Prop. Code § 214.902).

What Protections Texas Tenants Do Have

Even without rent control, Texas law gives renters meaningful rights in these areas:

Security Deposit

Landlords must return your deposit within 30 days of move-out, along with an itemized written statement of any deductions. Withholding without cause can cost the landlord 3× the deposit in damages (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.109).

Notice to Terminate

Month-to-month tenants are entitled to at least 1 month's written notice before the landlord can end the tenancy (Tex. Prop. Code § 91.001).

Repairs & Habitability

Landlords must make repairs that materially affect health or safety within a reasonable time after written notice. If they don't, you may be able to 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

Your landlord cannot raise your rent, cut services, or try to evict you in retaliation for exercising a legal right — like requesting repairs or contacting a housing inspector (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.331).

Lockout & Utility Shutoff

Self-help eviction is illegal in Texas. A landlord cannot lock you out, remove doors, or shut off utilities to force you out without going through the courts (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.0081).

Major Cities in Texas

Houston — No rent control; Texas state protections apply.
San Antonio — No rent control; Texas state protections apply.
Dallas — No rent control; Texas state protections apply.
Austin — No rent control; Austin Tenants Council offers free counseling.
Fort Worth — No rent control; Texas state protections apply.

Texas Tenant Resources

These organizations offer free or low-cost help to Texas renters:

Austin Tenants Council — Free tenant counseling, mediation, and legal referrals for Austin-area renters.
Texas RioGrande Legal Aid — Free civil legal services for low-income Texans in South and West Texas, including housing cases.
Houston Tenants Union — Tenant organizing and advocacy for Houston renters.
Texas Law Help — Free legal information and forms on Texas tenant rights, evictions, and deposits.
Lone Star Legal Aid — Free civil legal services for low-income Texans in East and Southeast Texas.

Home | About | Contact | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service