Free Texas Lease Agreement
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Texas Lease Agreement Requirements (2026)
Every Texas residential lease must comply with state landlord-tenant law. Here are the key rules your lease must follow:
| Rule | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Security Deposit Limit | No statutory limit |
| Deposit Return Deadline | 30 days |
| Late Fee Cap | No statutory cap (but must be reasonable) |
| Grace Period | 2 days (for nonpayment before filing eviction; applies to late fees by case law) |
| Landlord Entry Notice | No specific statute; reasonable notice recommended |
| Rent Increase Notice | 30 days (month-to-month tenancies, unless lease specifies otherwise) |
Key Texas Landlord-Tenant Laws
- Texas Property Code — Landlord-Tenant (Tex. Prop. Code §92.001 et seq.) — Comprehensive landlord-tenant law covering security deposits, habitability, lease terms, entry, and eviction procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Texas have rent control?
No. Texas preempts local rent control by state law. Landlords may set and increase rents freely with proper notice.
What is the security deposit return deadline in Texas?
Texas landlords must return the security deposit within 30 days of lease termination. The tenant must provide a forwarding address. Bad faith withholding can result in 3x damages plus $100 and attorney fees.
How quickly can a landlord start eviction in Texas?
Landlords must give a 3-day written notice to vacate (unless the lease specifies a different period, which can be shorter or longer). After the notice period, the landlord may file a forcible detainer suit in justice court.
Learn more: Texas Landlord-Tenant Laws
