Texas Landlord-Tenant Laws That Every Houston Owner Should Know

Owning rental property in Houston can make you a lot of money, but it also means you have to follow the law. Texas landlord-tenant laws are clear, enforceable, and harsh when they are not understood. Houston landlords who don’t follow the law could face fines, lawsuits, delayed evictions, and expensive fights with tenants.

This guide tells Houston landlords about the most important Texas landlord-tenant laws that they need to know in order to stay legal, protect their investment, and avoid making common legal mistakes.

Why Houston Owners Should Care About Texas Landlord-Tenant Laws

People usually think that Texas is a good place for landlords, but that doesn’t mean they can do whatever they want. The Texas Property Code makes it clear how to:

Rights and protections for tenants
What landlords have to do
Enforcement of leases
Fixes and livability
Notices and evictions

Houston landlords can avoid legal problems and keep tight control over their rentals by knowing these laws.

Lease Agreements: The Key to Legal Protection

It is very important to have written leases

In Texas, verbal leases are legal, but written leases are necessary for rental properties. A clear written lease should say:

The amount of rent and when it is due
Length of the lease and conditions for renewal
Fees for being late and grace periods
Responsibilities for maintenance
Rules and policies for pets

A detailed lease makes it less likely that there will be problems and makes it easier to enforce.

What Landlords Can and Can’t Do with Security Deposits in Texas

There is no limit on how much a security deposit can be in Texas, but the law is very strict about how deposits are handled.

The most important rules are:

You have 30 days to get your deposits back after you move out.
Deductions need to be written down in detail.
Normal wear and tear cannot be used to keep deposits.
If you don’t follow the rules, you could face fines and be responsible for damages.

Requirements for repairs and living conditions

Landlord’s Duty to Fix Things

Landlords in Texas must fix problems that:

Have an impact on the health or safety of the tenant
Not caused by the tenant’s carelessness

Landlords must act in a reasonable amount of time after being told about a problem, especially if it has to do with plumbing, HVAC, or electrical systems.

Requests for Repairs from Tenants

Tenants have to:

Tell the landlord about problems (usually in writing)
Pay your rent on time to ask for repairs.

Tenants can take legal action if you ignore their valid repair requests.

Rules for Entry and Privacy

Texas law lets landlords go into rental properties for

Fixes
Checkups
Emergencies

Texas doesn’t require specific notice periods, but it’s best practice and the lease often requires reasonable notice. People who enter without permission can cause problems and make legal claims.

Fees and Rent Due Late

Late fees have to be fair

Texas law lets you charge late fees, but they have to be:

Clearly written in the lease
Not too much and not too little

Most residential leases say that late fees can’t be charged until at least two days after the rent is due.

Texas Laws on Eviction and the Legal Process

Landlords can’t kick out tenants for:

Locking them out the wrong way
Turning off utilities
Taking things away

The legal process for eviction includes:

Written notice that is correct (usually three days, unless the lease says otherwise)
Filing a lawsuit to evict someone
Hearing in court
Writ of possession (if it gets the green light)

If you skip steps, the eviction could be invalid and you could be held responsible.

Laws Against Discrimination and Fair Housing

Houston landlords must follow federal Fair Housing laws, which say that they can’t discriminate against people because of:

Race
Shade
Faith
Sex
Disability
Family status
Country of origin

Tenant screening and advertising must be fair and the same for everyone.

Tenant Abandonment and Property Management

If a tenant leaves a unit:

Landlords may take back possession
Texas law and the terms of the lease say how personal property must be handled

If you don’t take care of your tenant’s things properly, they could sue you.

Keeping records and writing things down

The best legal protection for a landlord is good paperwork. Houston landlords should keep:

Lease contracts
Requests and answers for repairs
Payment records
Records of inspections
Notices in writing

Clear records keep owners safe in court or when there is a disagreement.

When landlords in Houston should get professional help

Texas laws about landlords and tenants are very detailed and can change from time to time. When you need help, it’s best to get it from a professional.

Taking care of evictions
Taking care of more than one property
Writing or changing lease agreements
Dealing with complaints or disagreements

How Home CoHost Helps Landlords in Houston Stay Legal

Following the law is an important part of managing property well. Home CoHost helps landlords in Houston follow Texas landlord-tenant laws by making sure that leases are followed, rent is collected legally, maintenance is coordinated, and tenants are communicated with in a professional way. Home CoHost helps owners run their rentals with confidence by making sure that all of their day-to-day tasks are done within the law. This lowers risk, keeps them from making costly mistakes, and makes them feel more secure. Visit Home CoHost to find out more.