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First readWhat to know+
Texas law requirement for repairs: Landlord must act within 7 days after written notice for most repairs; life-threatening conditions require faster actionSecurity deposit return timeline: Landlord must return deposit within 30 days after move-out; if withheld, must provide itemized list of deductionsPenalty for wrongful deposit withholding: Landlord may owe 3x the amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney feesEviction notice requirement: Landlord must provide written notice to vacate (at least 3 days for nonpayment) and file suit in Justice of the Peace courtHabitable home requirements: Working plumbing, hot water, sewage, heating, smoke detectors, and secure locks on all exterior doors and windows
Houston has more than 600,000 rental households. Whether you rent in Montrose, Third Ward, or anywhere else in the city, you have real legal protections — even in a landlord-friendly state. This guide, created by Lone Star Legal Aid, breaks down Texas housing law in plain language. It covers what landlords must do by law, how security deposits work, what a legal eviction actually looks like, and where to turn when a landlord crosses the line.
The guide covers four main areas. First, your right to a livable home: landlords must keep plumbing, hot water, heating, smoke detectors, and door locks in working order. Second, security deposits: landlords have 30 days to return your deposit after you move out. They must provide an itemized list of any deductions, and normal wear and tear does not count against you. Miss that deadline and they may owe you three times what they wrongfully kept. Third, eviction rules: a landlord cannot change your locks or remove your belongings without a court order. The legal process takes at least three to four weeks and includes written notice, a Justice of the Peace court filing, a hearing, and a constable-issued writ of possession. Fourth, lease basics: Texas does not limit what a lease can say, so read every word before you sign. Special protections exist for active-duty servicemembers under the SCRA (Servicemembers Civil Relief Act) and for domestic violence survivors under Texas Property Code 92.016.
Start by knowing what written notice means. For repair requests, a dated email or letter is stronger than a text message, though texts count under Texas law. For eviction disputes, show up to your court hearing — you have the right to present your case, and courts do rule in tenants' favor. If a landlord changes your locks illegally, call the police. Texas Property Code 92.0081 makes illegal lockouts a criminal offense. For code enforcement issues, call 311 or 713-837-0311 to request a rental property inspection. If you need legal help, free services are available — you do not have to face this alone.
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This guide connects directly to free legal help from Lone Star Legal Aid and Houston Volunteer Lawyers. The Houston Apartment Association can mediate disputes between tenants and landlords. The City of Houston's code enforcement team, reached through 311, can inspect rental properties when conditions affect health or safety. If you or someone you know is in a domestic violence situation, Texas law allows lease termination with supporting documentation from a protective order, police report, or family violence center.
Many renters don't know their rights until something goes wrong. A landlord refuses to fix a broken heater. A security deposit disappears without explanation. Someone threatens to change the locks. Knowing the law before a crisis puts you in a much stronger position. Texas Property Code Chapter 92 gives you enforceable protections — but only if you know how to use them.
