Texas landlord-tenant laws.
Notable Texas quirk
Bad-faith deposit withholding costs $100 + 3x the amount withheld + attorney fees (§ 92.109).
Texas landlord law FAQ
How much can a landlord charge for a late fee in Texas?
The fee must be reasonable, disclosed in a written lease, and rent must be at least 2 full days late. It's presumed reasonable within the safe harbor: up to 12% of rent for buildings with 4 or fewer units, or 10% for larger buildings (Prop. Code § 92.019).
How long does a Texas landlord have to return the deposit?
30 days after the tenant surrenders the unit, provided the tenant gave a written forwarding address (Prop. Code § 92.103). Bad-faith failure costs $100 + three times the withheld amount + attorney fees (§ 92.109).
Is there a limit on security deposits in Texas?
No. Texas law sets no cap on the deposit amount (Prop. Code ch. 92); the lease and market set it.
Does a Texas landlord have to give notice before entering?
No state statute requires it. Unlike California's 24-hour rule, Texas has no general entry-notice statute — any notice requirement comes from the lease.
What is the small claims limit in Texas?
$20,000, exclusive of interest and costs, in justice court (Tex. Gov. Code § 27.031). Justice courts also handle evictions regardless of that amount.
How much can a landlord charge for late rent in Texas?
Reasonable, in a written lease, after 2 full days late; safe harbor: 12% of rent (≤4 units) / 10% (>4 units). Grace period: 2 full days after the due date before any late fee (§ 92.019(a)). Late fee terms should always be written into the lease.
What is the security deposit limit in Texas?
No cap. The deposit must be returned within 30 days after move-out.
How much notice does a landlord need to enter a rental in Texas?
None statutorily required.
Is there rent control in Texas?
Prohibited.
Sources
Summarized from public statutes, state bar guides, and provincial residential tenancy acts. Last reviewed 2026-07-02. Deposit statute: Tex. Prop. Code § 92.101 et seq.. Late fee statute: Tex. Prop. Code § 92.019.
- Tex. Prop. Code ch. 92 (deposits, late fees)
- Tex. Prop. Code § 92.019 (late fees)
- Texas State Law Library — security deposits guide
- Tex. Gov. Code § 27.031 (justice court jurisdiction)
This page is general information, not legal advice. Consult a local attorney for your specific situation.