Landlord tools · Texas

Texas residential lease agreement.

Everything a Texas lease must get right in 2026 — deposit limits, late fees, notice periods, and required disclosures — plus a free builder that applies each rule for you and outputs a signable PDF.

No capSecurity deposit cap

30 daysDeposit return deadline

ReasonableEntry notice required

30 daysTo end month-to-month

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Security deposits in Texas

Texas doesn't cap security deposits by statute — most landlords charge one to two months' rent. No statutory limit After the tenancy ends, the deposit must be returned within 30 days. Itemized if withheld; tenant must give forwarding address Returning one now? Use the free Texas deposit return letter generator — it computes the deadline and itemizes deductions for you.

Late fees and grace periods

Texas limits late fees: Safe harbor: 12% of monthly rent (1-3 units) / 10% (4+); must be in lease. Rent must be at least 2 day(s) late before a fee can be charged. No fee until rent unpaid two full days after due date (§ 92.019).

Landlord entry and notices

Texas has no fixed entry-notice statute — reasonable notice is the standard, and the lease should spell it out. No statute; lease governs entry terms. Ending a month-to-month tenancy takes 30 days' written notice (One month's notice either party). No statute; effectively one month via month-to-month term change. Planning an increase? The free Texas rent increase notice generator applies the notice period automatically.

Required disclosures in a Texas lease

Lead-based paint (federal). Required for pre-1978 housing (Required when: pre-1978 housing.)
Owner/management identity. Owner's or management company's name and street address (Always required.)
100-year floodplain/flood damage. Disclose floodplain location and flooding damage within last 5 years (Always required.)
Parking/towing rules. Multiunit properties: signed 'PARKING RULES' notice before lease execution (Required when: multiunit property.)
Late fee provision. Late fees collectible only if stated in the written lease (Required when: if charging late fees.)

Clauses you can’t put in a Texas lease

Waiver of repair, security-device, and disclosure rights
Waiver of § 92.019 late-fee protections

Utilities and pets

Utilities: Landlord may not interrupt tenant-paid utilities except for repairs; submetering/allocation follows PUC rules. Pets: No statute on pet deposits or fees; lease governs. Assistance animals exempt from pet charges.

Frequently asked questions

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Texas?

Texas has no statutory limit on security deposits — one to two months' rent is customary. No statutory limit

How long does a Texas landlord have to return the deposit?

30 days after the tenancy ends. Itemized if withheld; tenant must give forwarding address

Are late fees limited in Texas?

Yes — Safe harbor: 12% of monthly rent (1-3 units) / 10% (4+); must be in lease. No fee until rent unpaid two full days after due date (§ 92.019) A 2-day grace period is required before charging a fee.

How much notice before a landlord can enter the unit in Texas?

Texas has no fixed statutory period — reasonable notice applies. No statute; lease governs entry terms

Does Texas have rent control?

No statewide rent control. Preempted; allowed only in governor-approved disaster emergency

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Key statutes: Tex. Prop. Code § 92.019 · § 92.103 · § 92.0135 · § 91.001. Last reviewed 2026-07. This guide summarizes state law for convenience and is not legal advice; cities and counties may add their own rules.