Texas Landlord-Tenant Laws
This overview summarizes common Texas landlord-tenant topics using published statute references (Texas Property Code Chapter 92). Laws change — confirm details with official sources.
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Texas at a glance: Security deposit limit: No statutory limit. Return deadline: 30 days. Month-to-month notice: 30 days. Source: Texas Property Code Chapter 92.
Security deposit
- Maximum deposit
- No statutory limit
- Return deadline
- 30 days
- Interest required
- No statutory requirement
The rule: No statewide deposit limit. The refund is due on or before the 30th day after the tenant surrenders the unit, but the landlord need not send it, or the written description of damages and charges, until the tenant gives a forwarding address in writing (Tex. Prop. Code §§ 92.103, 92.107).
Landlords should provide an itemized deduction list when withholding any portion of the deposit.
Source read · Tex. Prop. Code §§ 92.103, 92.107
Eviction notice
- Nonpayment of rent
- 3 days notice
- Lease violation
- 3 days notice
Court filing and service rules vary by county. Use our eviction timeline calculator for planning.
Notice to vacate
- Month-to-month lease
- 30 days notice
- Fixed-term lease
- No notice required if lease ends
Late rent fees
- Grace period
- 2 days
- Maximum late fee
- No fixed cap; presumed reasonable up to 12% of the monthly rent in a building of four or fewer units, or 10% in a larger one
Additional regulations
- Rent control
- No statewide rent control
- Landlord entry notice
- No statutory requirement
Primary statute reference: Texas Property Code Chapter 92
Sources
When to use Texas document templates
Use LeaseCraft templates when you need PDF and editable DOCX lease and notice forms built for Texas landlords and tenants. Start with the residential lease generator, then add notices from the list of Texas documents.
Common mistakes in Texas
- Relying on verbal agreements instead of a written lease with required disclosures
- Missing the security deposit return deadline (30 days)
- Serving eviction or termination notices with incorrect day counts
Frequently asked questions
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Texas sets no statewide security deposit limit. The return deadline is 30 days. No statewide deposit limit. The refund is due on or before the 30th day after the tenant surrenders the unit, but the landlord need not send it, or the written description of damages and charges, until the tenant gives a forwarding address in writing (Tex. Prop. Code §§ 92.103, 92.107).
Confirm current rules in Texas Property Code Chapter 92.
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Texas month-to-month tenancies typically require 30 days written notice unless the lease specifies otherwise.
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Use our Texas lease agreement generator to build a residential lease with state-structured clauses. Preview free before download.
Educational summary only, not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for specific guidance. LeaseCraft is not a law firm. Statutes change — verify requirements with official Texas sources before relying on this information.
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