Texas Tenant Rights FAQ Key Info

 This is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Illegal Lockout (Texas Property Code 92.0081 & 92.009)

A landlord cannot legally lock you out unless they follow all required statutory steps. If the lockout is illegal, you may recover:

- One month's rent plus $1,000

- Actual damages

- Attorneys fees and court costs

- Court-ordered re-entry

- Potential lease termination

Failure to Repair (Texas Property Code 92.052 – 92.0563)

Landlords must repair any condition that affects your health or safety after proper written notice. If they fail to repair, you may be entitled to:

- Court-ordered repairs

- Rent reduction

- One month's rent plus $500

- Actual damages

- Attorneys fees and court costs

- Lease termination in qualifying cases

Security Deposits (Texas Property Code 92.103 – 92.109)

A landlord must refund your security deposit or provide an itemized deduction list within 30 days. If they wrongfully withhold your deposit, you may recover:

- Three times the wrongfully withheld amount

- $100 penalty

- Attorneys fees and court costs

Retaliation (Texas Property Code 92.331 – 92.335)

Landlords cannot retaliate after you request repairs, report code issues, or assert legal rights. If retaliation occurs, you may recover:

- One month's rent plus $500

- Actual damages

- Attorneys fees and court costs

- Injunctive relief

Texas law presumes retaliation for six months after you exercise tenant rights.

Note:

This FAQ provides general information on tenant rights under Texas law. Seek legal guidance for specific situations.