This guide was created in order to provide information about Texas landlord/tenant law and answer the frequently asked questions that we receive at the library.  On this page, you will find a general overview of landlord/tenant law, tenants' rights, and a list of organizations who may be able to provide more assistance and information.

For more information on specific aspects of landlord/tenant law, please see the other pages of this guide:

Leases
When a lease can be changed, what rules or restrictions a lease can contain, service animals, and emotional support animals

Rent
Rent increases, late fees, and how rent must be paid

Repairs
A landlord's duty to repair certain problems, protections against retaliation for requesting repairs, and what a tenant can do if the landlord doesn't make the repairs as requested

Common Problems
Mold, pests, bedbugs, utility shutoffs, and landlord retaliation 

Evictions
The eviction process, a tenant's rights during an eviction, and appealing an eviction

Security Deposits
Requesting refunds for security deposits and what a landlord can deduct

Subsidized Housing
Information about federally subsidized housing programs and the rights of residents

Landlord/Tenant Forms
Commonly requested forms and form letters for landlord/tenant situations

The 87th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature passed three pieces of legislation related to landlord/tenant law:

The links below provide general overviews of landlord/tenant law in Texas in easy-to-understand language.

The links below provide overviews of the rights that tenants have when entering into a landlord/tenant relationship. 

Tenants' rights in special circumstances:

The State Law Library provides several e-books on the landlord/tenant relationship, many of which include forms and sample letters.