A Texas Landlord Compliance Checklist
Texas landlord-tenant law isn't overly complex, but it has specific requirements that are easy to overlook without a checklist.
Lease Documentation
- Texas-specific lease terms, not a generic out-of-state template
- Clear notice periods for termination and entry
- Security deposit amount and terms clearly stated
Security Deposit Compliance
- Return the deposit, or an itemized deduction list, within 30 days of move-out (Texas Property Code Chapter 92)
- Keep move-in and move-out documentation to support any deductions
Habitability
- Maintain functioning plumbing, heating, and structural safety
- Respond to written repair requests in a reasonable timeframe
Notice and Eviction Process
- Provide proper written notice to vacate before filing eviction
- File in the correct Justice of the Peace court if it comes to that
- Never use self-help remedies like lockouts — they're illegal in Texas
Fair Housing Compliance
- Apply the same screening criteria to every applicant
- Avoid any screening criteria tied to protected classes
Ongoing Recordkeeping
- Keep copies of leases, inspection reports, maintenance records, and communication for at least the life of the tenancy plus a reasonable buffer afterward.
Staying compliant on these basics is the foundation for avoiding disputes — and for winning them if one happens anyway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Proper documentation around the move-in/move-out condition — without it, security deposit deductions become much harder to defend.
No — Texas law prohibits self-help eviction methods like changing locks; the formal Justice of the Peace court process must be used.
