TX · Tenant rights
Tenant Rights in Texas
A plain-English overview of residential renter protections under Texas Property Code – Residential Tenancies (Tex. Prop. Code Chapter 92). Use this as a checklist before you sign — then verify anything that looks off in your specific lease.
Key rules at a glance
- Security deposit return: 30 days after tenant moves out
- Landlord entry notice: No single statewide hour requirement; leases usually set notice rules
- Late fees: Late fees must be in the lease; Texas focuses heavily on disclosure and habitability repair timelines rather than a single statewide late-fee percentage.
What to check in a Texas lease
- 30-day deposit return with itemized deductions
- Smoke alarm / security device obligations
- Repair request procedures under Chapter 92
- Early termination for family violence / military (statutory rights)
Frequently asked questions
How long do Texas landlords have to return a security deposit?
Texas Property Code Chapter 92 generally requires landlords to refund the deposit within 30 days after the tenant surrenders the premises, and to provide an itemized list of deductions.
Before you sign
Statutes set the floor — your lease can still include junk fees, auto-renewals, one-sided indemnification, or deposit language that conflicts with Texas law. Comparing the document to Tex. Prop. Code Chapter 92 is the fastest way to spot problems early.
LeaseGuard.ai provides educational information only and is not a law firm. This page is not legal advice. For disputes or case-specific interpretation, contact a licensed Texas attorney or your local legal aid office.
Also see our lease guides for clause-by-clause renter tips.