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Texas landlord-tenant law

Last reviewed Oct 26, 20262 statute sources

Security deposits, late fees and notice periods for Texas landlords, in plain English, with a link to the statute for each rule.

Security deposit limit
No statutory limit.
Deposit return deadline
30 days after the tenant moves out and gives a forwarding address, with an itemized list of deductions. Bad-faith withholding: $100 + 3× the amount withheld + attorney's fees.
Late fees
Only after rent remains unpaid 2 full days after the due date, and only if the lease says so. Safe harbor: up to 12% of monthly rent for buildings with 4 or fewer units, 10% for more than 4 units.
Notice for unpaid rent
3-day notice to vacate, unless the lease sets a different period.
Ending a month-to-month lease
At least 1 month's notice from either side, unless the parties agreed otherwise in writing.
Rent increases
No state rent control and no statutory notice period; follow the lease. For month-to-month tenancies, give at least a full rental period.

Local rules: Texas law prohibits cities from enacting rent control.

Sources

Tools for Texas landlords

Rent increase calculator

New rent plus Texas notice rules.

Prorated rent

Partial-month rent for move-ins and move-outs.

Rental property calculator

Cash flow, cap rate and cash-on-cash return.

Texas housing market

Typical home $296K, median city rent $1,655/mo.

Full Texas report →

Dallas, TX

$358K home$1,659 rent5.6% yield
▼ 2.0% 1 yr

Houston, TX

$303K home$1,638 rent6.5% yield
▼ 1.8% 1 yr

San Antonio, TX

$274K home$1,415 rent6.2% yield
▼ 1.9% 1 yr

Austin, TX

$414K home$1,603 rent4.6% yield
▼ 4.3% 1 yr

McAllen, TX

$189K home$1,119 rent7.1% yield
▼ 0.4% 1 yr

El Paso, TX

$233K home$1,521 rent7.8% yield
▲ 2.5% 1 yr

Killeen, TX

$248K home$1,308 rent6.3% yield
▼ 1.5% 1 yr

Corpus Christi, TX

$222K home$1,425 rent7.7% yield
▲ 0.7% 1 yr

General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities and counties can add their own rules. Check the statute or a local attorney before acting.