What does Texas Property Code Chapter 92 cover?

Texas Property Code Chapter 92 covers landlord and tenant obligations in residential leases, including repair and maintenance duties, security deposit handling, lease termination rights, landlord entry rules, and retaliation protections.

How long does a Texas landlord have to return a security deposit?

Under Chapter 92, a Texas landlord must return the security deposit — with an itemized written accounting of any deductions — within 30 days of the tenant vacating the property.

How long does a Texas landlord have to make repairs?

Texas law requires landlords to make repairs that affect health or safety within a reasonable time after receiving written notice from the tenant — generally interpreted as 7 days for urgent issues.

Can a Texas landlord enter a rental property without notice?

Texas Property Code Chapter 92 does not require a specific advance notice period for landlord entry, but landlords must enter only at reasonable times and for legitimate purposes. Lease agreements typically specify notice terms.

Texas Property Code Chapter 92: A Landlord's Guide

Texas Property Code Chapter 92 governs the relationship between landlords and tenants in residential rental properties. It sets out landlord obligations for repairs and maintenance, security deposit handling, lease termination rights, and landlord entry rules. Violations can expose owners to liability — including being sued for damages, attorney fees, and losing the right to collect rent.

Repair and Maintenance Obligations

Chapter 92 requires landlords to make repairs that materially affect the health or safety of a tenant within a reasonable time after written notice — generally interpreted as 7 days for urgent repairs. This is not optional: a landlord who fails to repair after proper notice can face rent withholding, lease termination by the tenant, or a lawsuit for damages up to one month’s rent plus $500. Tex. Prop. Code § 92.056

Security Deposit Rules

Texas law requires landlords to return a security deposit — along with a written, itemized accounting of any deductions — within 30 days of a tenant vacating. Failure to comply in bad faith can result in a penalty of three times the withheld amount plus attorney fees. Tex. Prop. Code § 92.109

Landlord Right of Entry

Chapter 92 does not specify a required notice period for landlord entry in Texas (unlike many states). However, landlords must enter only at reasonable times and for legitimate purposes — and lease agreements can and should specify entry notice terms.

Lease Termination Rights

Both landlords and tenants have defined termination rights under Chapter 92. A landlord may terminate for non-payment, lease violations, or holdover tenancy with proper notice. Early termination by a tenant without cause generally leaves them liable for remaining rent — though a tenant who is a victim of domestic violence has specific statutory rights to terminate without penalty. Tex. Prop. Code § 92.016

Retaliation Protections

Chapter 92 prohibits landlords from retaliating against a tenant for exercising their legal rights — including filing a repair request, contacting a government agency, or organizing with other tenants. Retaliation can be inferred from rent increases or eviction notices that follow within six months of a protected act. Tex. Prop. Code § 92.33

Important Information for Owners of Rental Properties in Texas

Chapter 92 of the Texas Property codes addresses property code for rental properties. Landlords or property managers are fully responsible for understanding and complying this state code. With 9 sub-chapters and 95 individual sections, it can be a bit overwhelming. The purpose of the website is to help users navigate sections of the code easily. Also, we will post recent and upcoming changes to the Texas rental property code. View Chapter 92 Texas Property Code

Landlord Obligations with Regard to the Texas Property Code

How Pyramis Manages Chapter 92 Compliance

Staying current with Texas Property Code obligations is one of the ways Pyramis protects owners from unnecessary liability. We handle repair requests, deposit accounting, and lease documentation for every property we manage, so owners don’t have to track statutory deadlines or interpret lease law on their own. If you’re managing your San Antonio rental property independently and have questions about Chapter 92 compliance, contact us or request a free rental analysis to learn how professional management changes the liability picture.