Texas rental repairs

Do this today

• Put the repair request in writing. Date it. Keep a copy.
• Photograph the condition, including anything that is unsafe — no heat, no water, mold, pests, broken locks.
• Do not withhold rent until you have confirmed that Texas allows a process for it.
• Ask the city housing or health department whether they take condition complaints.

What should I put in writing?

What is broken, since when, how it affects living in the unit, and that you are asking for repair. Send it in a way you can prove. Texas Property Code — residential tenancies may require written notice before other remedies exist. A text can help; a dated letter you can produce later is stronger.

Can I withhold rent in ${n}?

Sometimes a state has a lawful process for withholding, escrow, or repair-and-deduct. Sometimes skipping rent is itself grounds for eviction. That split is why this site will not tell you to withhold. Confirm Texas Property Code — residential tenancies or ask legal aid in Texas first.

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

• Can I stop paying rent until it is fixed?
• Does the request have to be in writing?
• What if my landlord says the damage is my fault?
• Can I call the city if I am worried about retaliation?
• How long does a landlord have to make a repair?
• Is the repair process the same in every state?