Texas Lease Agreement PDF
Texas at a glance: Security Deposit Limit: No statutory limit · Deposit Return Deadline: 30 days after tenant surrenders possession · Notice to Terminate Month-to-Month: 1 month (unless lease specifies otherwise)
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Lease Agreements in Texas
Texas landlord-tenant law is governed primarily by Chapter 92 of the Texas Property Code. Texas is considered a relatively landlord-friendly state, with fewer restrictions on security deposits and rent increases compared to states like California or New York.
Texas has no statewide rent control law. Landlords may raise rent freely, subject only to the notice requirements in the lease. Security deposits are not capped, though landlords must return them within 30 days of the tenant surrendering possession.
Texas requires landlords to make "diligent" efforts to repair conditions that materially affect health or safety within a reasonable time after written notice. If the landlord fails to do so, the tenant may have remedies including repair-and-deduct (up to one month's rent) or lease termination.
Texas Lease Agreement — Quick Reference
| Requirement | Texas Rule |
|---|---|
| Security Deposit Limit | No statutory limit |
| Deposit Return Deadline | 30 days after tenant surrenders possession |
| Notice to Terminate Month-to-Month | 1 month (unless lease specifies otherwise) |
| Rent Control | None — no statewide rent control |
| Eviction Notice (Non-Payment) | 3-Day Notice to Vacate |
| Landlord Entry Notice | No statutory requirement (reasonable notice recommended) |
| Repair Request Notice | Must be in writing; landlord has "reasonable time" to repair |
| Governing Law | Tex. Prop. Code Ch. 92 |
Texas Legal Requirements
- Landlords must return the security deposit within 30 days and provide a written itemized deduction list (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.103).
- A lease must disclose whether the property is in a 100-year flood plain.
- Lead paint disclosure is required for properties built before 1978.
- Landlords must provide a smoke detector in each bedroom and test them before move-in.
- Landlords must repair conditions that materially affect health or safety after written notice from the tenant.
- Texas law requires landlords to include remedies available to tenants for landlord non-compliance in written leases.
Texas Governing Laws
Read the full text of these laws at Cornell Law School's Texas legal resources or your state legislature's official website.