Texas habitability

Do this today

• Photograph the condition. Include anything that makes the unit unsafe to occupy.
• Write the landlord. Date it. Keep a copy.
• Ask the city about a housing or health complaint process.
• If you cannot stay in the unit tonight, 211 can help with shelter and local services.

What does 'uninhabitable' mean in ${n}?

There is no national checklist for private rentals. Texas Property Code — residential tenancies is where Texas describes the landlord's duty to keep the place fit to live in. Heat, water, sanitation, and structural safety are the usual core — the exact list is in the chapter, not here.

What if I have to leave tonight?

Safety first. 911 if someone is in danger. 211 for shelter and local services. A condition complaint and a repair request can wait until you are somewhere safe. Legal aid can talk through whether Texas allows you to treat the unit as unlivable and what that does to the tenancy.

The Texas chapter

Texas Property Code — residential tenancies (Tex. Prop. Code ch. 92) is the starting point. We name it. We do not paraphrase a day-count or a dollar cap out of it.

Texas puts most residential tenancy rules in Chapter 92 of the Property Code, and the Attorney General publishes a renter's rights page. Texas is a state where the written lease carries a lot of weight, so read yours alongside the statute.

Texas cities generally operate under state law for tenancy rules, but local code-enforcement and health departments handle housing-condition complaints and their processes differ by city.

Official sources

Common questions

People also ask

• What is the warranty of habitability?
• Is mold covered?
• Who do I call besides my landlord?
• Can I break my lease if the place is unlivable?
• The unit was condemned and I had to leave. What now?
• Is 'uninhabitable' the same in every state?