Texas Rental Lease Laws: What Your Lease Can and Can't Say
Everything below is generated from our Texas law database — the same statute-backed rules our analyzer uses to check leases. Prohibited clauses and required disclosures include their statute citations.
Educational information: this page summarizes Texas landlord-tenant law for renters. It is not legal advice. Laws change — consult a licensed attorney for your situation.
Texas lease rules at a glance
| Security deposit limit | no statutory limit |
|---|---|
| Deposit return deadline | 30 days |
| Interest on deposits | not required |
| Landlord entry notice | no statutory notice requirement (lease controls) |
| Late fee cap | must be reasonable — roughly 10–12% of monthly rent is typical |
| Rent grace period | 2 days |
| Prohibited lease clauses | 7 clause types restricted |
| Required disclosures | 5 disclosures required |
Texas lease law guides
- Texas Security Deposit Limitno statutory limit
- Texas Deposit Return Deadline30 days
- Texas Deposit Interest Rulesno interest required
- Texas Landlord Entry Noticeno statutory notice requirement (lease controls)
- Texas Late Fee Lawsmust be reasonable — roughly 10–12% of monthly rent is typical
- Texas Rent Grace Period2 days
- Texas Prohibited Lease Clauses7 restricted clause types
- Texas Required Disclosures5 required disclosures
Lease clauses restricted under Texas law
- Waiver of landlord duty to repair/maintainOften Unenforceable
- Waiver of security deposit return rightsLikely Illegal
- Illegal lockout provisionsLikely Illegal
All 7 prohibited clause types in Texas, with statute citations →
Disclosures Texas landlords must provide
- Lead Paint
- Flooding
- Landlord Identity
All 5 required disclosures in Texas, explained with citations →
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Texas lease law FAQ
- How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Texas?
- Texas sets no statewide statutory maximum on security deposits, so the amount is negotiated in the lease. Conditions can apply — see the Texas security deposit limit guide for details.
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Texas?
- Generally 30 days after move-out. Conditions can apply — see the Texas deposit return deadline guide for details.
- Do landlords have to pay interest on security deposits in Texas?
- No statewide statute requires it in Texas, though local ordinances or your lease can add the obligation. Conditions can apply — see the Texas deposit interest rules guide for details.
- How much notice does a landlord need to enter my apartment in Texas?
- Texas has no statutory advance-notice requirement — check your lease for the notice terms that apply to you. Conditions can apply — see the Texas landlord entry notice guide for details.
- Is there a limit on late fees in Texas?
- Texas law requires late fees to be reasonable rather than setting a flat cap — must be reasonable — roughly 10–12% of monthly rent is typical. Conditions can apply — see the Texas late fee laws guide for details.
- How many days late can rent be before fees in Texas?
- Texas generally provides a 2-day grace period before late fees. Conditions can apply — see the Texas rent grace period guide for details.
- What lease clauses are illegal in Texas?
- Texas law restricts 7 clause types tracked in our database, such as: waiver of landlord duty to repair/maintain; waiver of security deposit return rights; illegal lockout provisions.
- What disclosures must a landlord provide in Texas?
- Texas requires: Lead Paint (Disclosure of known lead-based paint hazards for housing built before 1978); Flooding (Disclosure if property is in a 100-year floodplain or has flooded); Landlord Identity (Name and address of property owner and manager must be provided); Parking Rules (Written rules for vehicle towing must be provided if applicable); Security Devices (Landlord must provide certain security devices (door locks, peepholes, etc.)).
More renter resources
Sources: state statutes cited above. Data last updated 2024-01-01. Educational information only — not legal advice.