What is the security deposit limit in Texas?

Texas has no statutory cap on security deposits. Landlords can charge any amount. They must return deposits within 30 days or face 3x damages plus attorney fees.

What is the entry notice requirement in Texas?

Texas has no statutory entry notice requirement — one of the few states with no notice mandate. Always negotiate at least 24-hour written notice into any Texas lease.

Does Texas have rent control?

No. Texas state law preempts local rent control. No Texas city can limit rent increases.

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

30 days from move-out with an itemized list of deductions. Wrongful withholding triggers 3x damages plus reasonable attorney fees.

What makes Texas commercial leases particularly challenging for tenants?

Texas is generally considered one of the most landlord-favorable commercial real estate markets. No entry notice requirements, no rent control, no statutory deposit caps, and a legal environment that enforces aggressive lease provisions strictly. Strong lease review and negotiation is essential.

Texas Tenant Rights & Lease Laws

Security Deposit Rules

Maximum Deposit Varies

Return Deadline 30 days after move-out

Interest Required No

Notice Requirements

Landlord Entry Notice 24 hours

Lease Termination Notice (Month-to-Month) 30 days

Rent Increase Notice 30 days

Texas commercial leases with broad landlord default provisions and fast eviction rights — Texas courts move quickly on commercial eviction. Austin commercial leases where landlords have moved to aggressive personal guaranty requirements following market tightening. NNN commercial leases in Texas with no CAM caps — extremely common and potentially very expensive.

Rent Control

Rent Control: No statewide rent control

Habitability & Repair Requirements

Texas landlords are required to maintain rental units in habitable condition. Texas is landlord-favorable by both law and market. No deposit cap, minimal statutory protections, and landlord-favorable court system. Major metros have tight residential markets and booming commercial markets. Commercial tenants have essentially no statutory protection.

Eviction Process

Austin's tech-driven market has seen extraordinary rent appreciation — 1BR averages $1,700–2,500/month — followed by some softening from 2022 highs. Dallas-Fort Worth is the fastest-growing major metro in the country. Houston is an energy and healthcare hub. San Antonio is more affordable and tenant-favorable in practice.

Tenant Protections & Notable Laws

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the security deposit limit in Texas?: Texas has no statutory cap on security deposits. Landlords can charge any amount. They must return deposits within 30 days or face 3x damages plus attorney fees.
What is the entry notice requirement in Texas?: Texas has no statutory entry notice requirement — one of the few states with no notice mandate. Always negotiate at least 24-hour written notice into any Texas lease.
Does Texas have rent control?: No. Texas state law preempts local rent control. No Texas city can limit rent increases.
How long does a Texas landlord have to return a security deposit?: 30 days from move-out with an itemized list of deductions. Wrongful withholding triggers 3x damages plus reasonable attorney fees.
What makes Texas commercial leases particularly challenging for tenants?: Texas is generally considered one of the most landlord-favorable commercial real estate markets. No entry notice requirements, no rent control, no statutory deposit caps, and a legal environment that enforces aggressive lease provisions strictly. Strong lease review and negotiation is essential.

Cities in Texas

Find city-specific lease guides for major markets in Texas: