Texas Landlord-Tenant Law (2026)
Notice periods, deposit caps, entry rules, and required disclosures for residential rentals in Texas. Every rule links to the official state statute.
Reference only, not legal advice. State laws change. Confirm with the official Texas statute or a licensed attorney before you serve notice or file a case.
Quick summary
Notice periods
- Nonpayment of rent
- 3 days
- Cure lease violation
- 3 days
- Notice to quit (month-to-month)
- 30 days
Security deposit
- Statutory cap
- No statutory limit
- Return deadline after move-out
- 30 days
Landlord entry notice
Reasonable notice (not defined by statute)
Required disclosures
- Lead paint (pre-1978)
- Tenant rights addendum
- Flooding history
- Parking rules
Market rules
- Rent control
- Preempted
- Small claims limit
- $20,000
Official state statute
Always confirm current law with the source before serving notice.
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PR/htm/PR.92.htmTexas landlord FAQ
How many days notice do I give a tenant for unpaid rent in Texas?
Texas requires a 3-day notice to the tenant before you can file for eviction for unpaid rent. The notice must comply with the form and delivery rules in the state statute.
What is the maximum security deposit in Texas?
Texas has no statutory cap on security deposits. You can charge what the market allows, but the deposit must still be reasonable and refundable under state rules.
How many days do I have to return a security deposit in Texas?
Texas requires landlords to return the security deposit within 30 days after the tenant vacates. An itemized list of any deductions must accompany the refund.
How much notice must I give before entering a rental unit in Texas?
Texas does not define a specific advance notice period. The statute requires "reasonable notice" — most courts read this as 24 hours, but it is safer to give more.
Does Texas have rent control?
Texas law preempts local rent control. No city or county in the state can cap rent.
Is Texas landlord-friendly or tenant-friendly?
Texas is classified Landlord-Friendly. This is based on notice periods, deposit caps, eviction timelines, and tenant protection rules relative to other states. Use it as a general read, not a ranking.
What disclosures am I required to give tenants in Texas?
Texas requires: Lead paint (pre-1978), Tenant rights addendum, Flooding history, Parking rules. Some states add local disclosures by city. Always check the state statute for the current list.
What is the small claims court limit in Texas?
Texas small claims court hears cases up to $20,000. Most landlord-tenant disputes over deposits, damages, or unpaid rent fit within this limit.
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