Texas Lease Agreement Template (2026)
A residential lease written for Texas landlords, with the rules a Texas lease has to follow. Every rule below links to the official state statute.
What a Texas lease must get right
Security deposit limit
Not set by state statute. Texas law sets no maximum security deposit. We checked all of Property Code Chapter 92 (Residential Tenancies), including Subchapter C on deposits (§§ 92.101–92.110).
Source: Tex. Prop. Code ch. 92, subch. C
Deposit return deadline
Refund the deposit within 30 days after the tenant surrenders the unit. If you keep any part, give a written, itemized list of deductions (no deductions for normal wear and tear). Missing the 30-day deadline is presumed bad faith, which can cost $100 plus three times the amount wrongly withheld plus attorney's fees. A lease rule requiring advance notice of move-out counts only if it is underlined or in bold.
Late fees
You may charge a late fee only if it is in a written lease, it is reasonable, and rent is still unpaid two full days after the due date. A fee is presumed reasonable up to 12% of monthly rent for buildings with 4 or fewer units, or 10% for buildings with more than 4 units. Violations cost $100 plus three times the fee plus attorney's fees.
Source: Tex. Prop. Code § 92.019
Landlord entry
Not set by state statute. No statute sets a notice period for landlord entry. We checked all of Chapter 92. Set entry terms in the lease. (Any rule beyond the lease comes from case law or contract law, not a statute.)
Source: Tex. Prop. Code ch. 92
Rent increases and month-to-month notice
Not set by state statute. No statute sets a rent-increase notice period. We checked all of Chapter 92. You can't raise rent mid-lease unless the lease allows it. A month-to-month tenancy ends on at least one month's notice (unless the lease says otherwise), so give at least that much before changing rent.
Source: Tex. Prop. Code § 91.001
Notice for unpaid rent
Give at least 3 days' written notice to vacate before filing, unless the written lease sets a shorter or longer period. If the tenant was not late in any earlier month, the notice must be a notice to pay rent or vacate. Rules updated by S.B. 38, effective Jan 1, 2026.
Source: Tex. Prop. Code § 24.005(a)
Required disclosures
Give the written floodplain notice (§ 92.0135). The lease must state the tenant's repair remedies in underlined or bold print (§ 92.056(g)). On request, disclose the owner's and any off-site manager's name and address (§ 92.201). Provide an emergency phone number (§ 92.020). For multiunit complexes, give the parking and towing rules before signing (§ 92.0131). For pre-1978 housing, give the federal lead-paint disclosure (40 CFR 745.113).
Source: Tex. Prop. Code §§ 92.0135, 92.056(g), 92.201, 92.020, 92.0131; 40 CFR 745.113
Checked Oct 23, 2026 against Texas Property Code, Chapters 24, 91 and 92 (Texas Legislature, official text). Federal rules also apply.
What's in the Texas Lease Kit
Lease Agreement Kit (Texas version)
Fillable Texas lease, lead-paint addendum and a one-page quick guide. One-time $39, instant download.
View kit →Late fee calculator
Model grace periods and fees.
Open →Prorated rent calculator
First-month rent for mid-month move-ins.
Open →Security Deposit Kit
Move-in receipt and itemized return letter.
View →Texas lease FAQ
Is there a limit on security deposits in Texas?
Texas law sets no maximum security deposit. We checked all of Property Code Chapter 92 (Residential Tenancies), including Subchapter C on deposits (§§ 92.101–92.110).
How long does a Texas landlord have to return a deposit?
Refund the deposit within 30 days after the tenant surrenders the unit. If you keep any part, give a written, itemized list of deductions (no deductions for normal wear and tear). Missing the 30-day deadline is presumed bad faith, which can cost $100 plus three times the amount wrongly withheld plus attorney's fees. A lease rule requiring advance notice of move-out counts only if it is underlined or in bold.
What must a Texas lease disclose?
Give the written floodplain notice (§ 92.0135). The lease must state the tenant's repair remedies in underlined or bold print (§ 92.056(g)). On request, disclose the owner's and any off-site manager's name and address (§ 92.201). Provide an emergency phone number (§ 92.020). For multiunit complexes, give the parking and towing rules before signing (§ 92.0131). For pre-1978 housing, give the federal lead-paint disclosure (40 CFR 745.113).
Is this Texas lease template legal advice?
No. RentToolkit is not a law firm. The template and this page are general information. Have an attorney in your state review your lease before use.
Other states: Florida lease agreement · California lease agreement · All rental documents