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Requirements for Lease Agreements in Texas

All lease agreements in Texas must be in writing. Verbal leases are not enforceable.1 The written lease agreement must contain the following information:

  • The names of the landlord and tenant

  • The address of the property being leased

  • The amount of rent to be paid and when it is due

  • The length of the lease term

  • A description of any property that is included in the lease, such as furniture or appliances

  • The signature of the landlord and tenant

If the lease agreement is for a term of more than one year, it must be notarized.

How to fill out the Texas Lease Agreement Form

Texas rental lease agreements can be filled in several steps.

Step 1

The date of the agreement should be entered at the top along with the names of all parties who will sign and witness.

Step 2

The premises being leased must be described in detail. Include not only the address but also any identifying landmarks or cross streets.

Step 3

The amount of rent to be paid each month as well as the date it is due should be stated.

Step 4

The length of the lease term must be indicated in months or years.

Step 5

The security deposit amount should be listed along with any restrictions on how it can be used by the landlord.

Step 6

Details regarding the use of the residential property should be included such as whether pets are allowed or if there are any parking restrictions.

Step 7

The landlord and tenant should sign and date the agreement in front of a witness.

Disclosures Required by Texas Landlords

Texas law requires landlords to disclose certain information to tenants. This information must be provided in writing before the tenant signs the lease agreement.

The landlord must disclose:

  • The name, address, and telephone number of the individual who is authorized to receive notices and demands on behalf of the landlord

  • Whether the property is located in a municipality that requires registration or inspection of rental units

  • The presence of any hazardous substance, such as lead-based paint

  • The existence of any mold in the dwelling that is visible and accessible to the tenant

  • Whether the property is served by a water purification system or a private drinking water well

The landlord must also provide the tenant with a copy of the lease agreement.

Rights and Responsibilities of Texas Tenants

Federal law and specific laws in the state of Texas let the tenants to have the right to:

  1. Live in a dwelling that is fit for human habitation

  2. Be free from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability

  3. Receive written notice before the landlord enters the dwelling

  4. Have repairs made in a timely manner if the landlord is notified of the need for repairs

  5. Withhold rent if the landlord fails to make necessary repairs

  6. Join or form a tenants’ union

Tenants also have responsibilities under Texas law. Tenants must:

  1. Pay rent on time

  2. Keep the dwelling clean and safe

  3. Dispose of garbage properly

  4. Not damage the property

  5. Comply with all applicable building and health codes

  6. Not disturb the peace of other tenants in the building or complex

Landlords’ Rights and Responsibilities in Texas

Under Texas law, landlords have the right to:

  1. Receive rent when it is due

  2. Live in a dwelling that is fit for human habitation

  3. Be free from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability

  4. Enter the dwelling after giving written notice to the tenant

  5. Make repairs in a timely manner if the tenant is notified of the need for repairs

  6. Withhold rent if the tenant fails to make necessary repairs

  7. Join or form a landlords’ union

Landlords also have responsibilities under Texas law. Landlords must:

  1. Disclose the presence of any hazardous substance, such as lead-based paint

  2. Disclose the existence of any mold in the dwelling that is visible and accessible to the tenant

  3. Provide the tenant with a copy of the Texas residential lease agreement

  4. Maintain the residential property in a fit and habitable condition

  5. Comply with all applicable building and health codes

  6. Not disturb the peace of other tenants in the building or complex

Texas law also requires landlords to provide tenants with a written notice before entering the dwelling. The notice must be given at least 24 hours in advance and must state the date, time, and purpose of the landlord’s visit.