Like other states, Texas has a unique set of laws that govern the agreement between a landlord and their tenant.
The statutes exist to protect the rights of both parties when it comes to crucial parts of a lease or rent agreement, such as eviction and rent payment. These are also the top things you should be asking your landlord when looking for a space to lease.
More importantly, consider having a local real estate lawyer review such agreements before signing. Some of the most significant components of Texas landlord tenant law include the following.
This law deals with issues relating to rent increases and the payment of other additional fees, such as common area maintenance charges (CAM).
Although there are no laws on how much a landlord can hike the rent, this should not happen as retaliation for a tenant’s complaints. You can also choose to negotiate or fail to renew a lease in case of a rent hike.
Under Texas landlord tenant law, both an oral agreement and written document can serve as a lease. The lease contains rules, terms, and conditions of occupying a particular dwelling.
A lessee has the right to suggest changes or add clauses they’d like to see on their lease. However, both the landlord and tenant cannot make changes to a lease in the middle of an agreed term unless both parties have consented.
A landlord can evict a tenant for failing to pay their rent, but they have to follow a procedure, including filing an eviction suit. Remember, as a tenant, you have the right to appeal this suit and get a hearing if you think that the eviction was unfairly served.
In addition, a landlord cannot evict you as retaliation for demanding better services, repairs, or reporting unsafe living standards to the relevant authority.
A tenant has the right to receive their security deposit before or on the thirtieth day after moving out. If the landlord makes deductions for things like repairs, the tenant should receive an account of the same.
As a renter, you also have an option to sue a landlord who you believe is withholding your security deposit in bad faith.
A landlord is expected to make all repairs or fix problems that pose a safety or health risk to the tenant. However, the tenant must have notified the lessor and given them a “reasonable time” to act. In addition, there are guidelines in Texas around the landlord’s rights to enter the leased property, even in the case of needed repairs.
At The Curry Law Firm, we understand how difficult it can be for an entrepreneur to run their day-to-day operations and still master the landlord tenant laws in Texas. Let us help you manage the legal aspects of your leased property.
Call 713-678-0013 or fill out our contact form to request a free consultation with one of our attorneys.
