Practice area
Landlord-tenant law
I represent both tenants and landlords. Most residential disputes in Texas are governed by the lease and Chapters 24 and 92 of the Texas Property Code, and eviction cases move quickly in justice court, so I start by mapping the notices and dates.
What I handle in this area
- 01Eviction cases in justice court
- 02Notice to vacate and lease termination
- 03Security deposit refunds and deductions
- 04Repair requests and tenant remedies
- 05Lease drafting and review
- 06Unpaid rent and property damage claims
How does a rent increase differ from a lease dispute?
Texas has no general rent control, so the lease usually decides when and how rent can change. During a fixed-term lease, rent generally stays as written unless the lease allows a change. At renewal, the landlord can propose new terms with the notice the lease requires.
Disputes more often turn on deposits, repairs and early termination. A landlord must refund the security deposit or give a written list of deductions within 30 days after the tenant surrenders the unit, provided the tenant gave a forwarding address (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.103).
What are the steps in an eviction?
An eviction generally starts with a written notice to vacate, which is three days unless the lease sets a different period (Tex. Prop. Code § 24.005). If the tenant stays, the landlord files an eviction suit in the justice court for the precinct where the property is located.
Changing the locks without following the statute, removing a tenant's belongings or cutting off utilities to force a move-out can expose a landlord to liability. A tenant can be removed only through a court judgment and a writ of possession.
Related calculators
Related legal guides
Landlord-tenant disputes in Texas, deposits and evictionsSecurity deposit refunds, notice to vacate, evictions in justice court, repairs and lockouts under the Texas Property Code, explained for tenants and landlords.
What a demand letter is and when you really need oneWhat a demand letter is, when Texas law requires written notice before suing, how to send one so it can be proven, and when it is not worth the effort.
How mediation works, step by stepWhat a mediator does, when Texas courts send cases to mediation, what happens in the session, who pays, and how a signed settlement binds you.
Appointments
You can schedule an appointment to talk about your landlord-tenant law matter. Bringing the documents above to the first meeting makes the review easier.