Texas Tenant Rights
Texas tenants can use the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs and other legal-help materials to understand repairs, notices, security deposits, and court-based eviction procedure.
Tenant protections
- Texas housing resources include educational materials and technical assistance through TDHCA.
- Keep your lease, notices, payment records, and repair requests organized.
- Written communication is important for notice and repair disputes.
- Seek legal help quickly if you receive court papers or face lockout threats.
Habitability standards
- Document unsafe conditions with photos/video and written requests.
- Use written repair notices and keep proof of delivery.
- Keep a timeline of dates, names, and landlord responses.
- Local code enforcement may help with severe health or safety hazards.
Eviction rules
- Evictions generally require legal process and court action.
- Read notices and court papers carefully and respond on time.
- Bring the lease, receipts, and communications to any hearing.
- Get legal help quickly if a case is filed.
Security deposit rules
- Deposit disputes often depend on deductions, timing, and move-out condition.
- Take move-in and move-out photos.
- Request deductions in writing if money is withheld.