IL
IntelligentLandlord
HomeState LawsTexas
Landlord Friendly · Rank #16 of 51

Texas
Landlord Laws
2026 Complete Guide

Everything a landlord needs to know about Texas law — eviction process, security deposits, entry rights, rent control status, and local court resources.

8
out of 10 · Landlord Friendly
📋
Notice Period
3 days
⏱️
Full Eviction
~21 days
💰
Deposit Max
None
🔑
Entry Notice
None req.
💳
Late Fee Cap
12% (4+ units), 10% (fewer)
Rent Control
No
Live Market Data · RentCast

Texas Rental Market

Current rents by bedroom · top metro breakdowns · YoY trend

Mar 29, 2026
1 Bedroom
$896
2 Bedrooms
$1,247
3 Bedrooms
$1,948
YoY Trend
-12.6%
Days on Market
73d
Houston SW
77036
1BR$796
2BR$1,268
3BR$2,000
YoY
-4.2%
DOM
112.05d
Listings
317
Dallas E
75227
1BR$996
2BR$1,226
3BR$1,895
YoY
-21.1%
DOM
34.84d
Listings
174

Texas Eviction Process

Complete timeline for removing a non-paying or violating tenant in Texas

01
Serve Notice
3-day written notice for non-payment of rent. No special delivery method required by statute.
02
File Complaint
If tenant fails to pay or vacate after 3 days, file an eviction complaint at your local court. Filing fee: $46–$100.
03
Court Hearing
Hearing typically scheduled 7–14 days after filing. Bring your lease, all notices, rent ledger, and any communications with the tenant.
04
Judgment & Possession
If you win, the court issues a judgment for possession. Tenant typically has 24–72 hours to vacate. If not, obtain a writ of possession.
ESTIMATED TOTAL TIMELINE
3d
Filing + Hearing (14d)
Judgment (7d)
3d
Average total: 21 days from notice to possession. US average is ~50 days.

Security Deposit Rules

Texas security deposit laws, limits, and return requirements

💰
Maximum Deposit
None
Per current statutes
📅
Return Deadline
14–45 days
After tenant vacates
📋
Itemization Required
Yes
Written itemization of deductions
📈
Interest Required
No
Required in some high-reg states

Rights & Responsibilities

What both parties are entitled to under Texas law

✅ Landlord Rights
No deposit cap
No rent control
Expedited eviction (Rule 510)
Landlord lien on property
⚖️ Tenant Rights
Repair & deduct
Habitability

Required Disclosures

Items you must disclose to tenants in Texas before or at lease signing

📄 Lead paint
📄 Landlord identity
📄 Back fees notice

Rent Control Status

Texas rent increase and rent control laws

No Rent Control in Texas
Texas has no statewide rent control law. You can raise rents by any amount with proper notice (typically 30 days for month-to-month, or at lease end for fixed terms). Late fees are subject to a cap: 12% (4+ units), 10% (fewer).

Texas Landlord FAQs

Common questions answered — also powers Google rich results

How long does eviction take in Texas?+
The average eviction timeline in Texas is 21 days from notice to possession. The pay-or-quit notice period is 3 days. Filing fee is $46–$100.
What is the security deposit limit in Texas?+
In Texas, the security deposit maximum is None. Landlords must return the deposit with an itemized statement of deductions.
Does Texas have rent control?+
No. Texas has no statewide rent control. You can raise rents by any amount with proper notice — typically 30 days for month-to-month tenancies.
How much entry notice is required in Texas?+
Texas does not require advance notice before entering a rental unit by statute, though best practice is always to notify tenants.

Compare Similar States

States with comparable landlord-friendliness scores

Alabama
8
30d eviction · 1 month
Arizona
9
21d eviction · 1.5 months
Arkansas
9
21d eviction · 2 months
Florida
8
30d eviction · None
← All StatesEviction Resources →