In 2025, Texas tenants should be aware that state law grants landlords considerable freedom regarding rent increases. There are no statewide rent control laws, allowing landlords to raise rent as they see fit, but they must adhere to the terms of the lease agreement and avoid discriminatory or retaliatory increases.
Key points for tenants:
- No Rent Control: Texas law does not impose any limits on how much a landlord can increase rent.
- Notice Requirements: While not legally mandated, it is a common practice for landlords to provide at least 30 days’ written notice before increasing rent, whether for fixed-term or month-to-month leases.
- Lease Agreements: Rent increase clauses are typically included in lease agreements, outlining if and how rent can be increased during the lease term. Tenants should carefully review their lease, paying close attention to clauses that discuss rent adjustments, to fully understand their obligations and rights.
- Discrimination and Retaliation: Landlords cannot raise rent for discriminatory reasons, such as race, religion, or familial status, as this violates the Fair Housing Act. Additionally, landlords cannot increase rent in retaliation for a tenant exercising their legal rights, such as reporting building code violations or joining a tenant union.
- Rent Increases During a Lease: Landlords cannot raise the rent during the term of a lease unless the lease specifically allows them to do so.
- Market conditions: Rent prices are often influenced by market demand, with major metropolitan areas potentially seeing higher rent increases.
- Late fees: Landlords can collect “reasonable” late fees if rent remains unpaid more than two full days after it was due, provided that notice of the fee is included in the written lease.
Tenant protections:
- Tenants have the right to fair housing and cannot be discriminated against based on protected characteristics.
- Landlords must maintain a habitable unit and respond to maintenance requests within a reasonable time.
- Tenants can seek help from legal aid organizations if they face suspicious or retaliatory rent increases after exercising their rights.
While Texas law generally favors landlords, tenants have some protections against unfair practices. It is important for tenants to know their rights and responsibilities and to carefully review their lease agreements.
Sources:
[1] https://www.steadily.com/blog/rent-increase-laws-regulations-texas
[2] https://guides.sll.texas.gov/landlord-tenant-law/rent
[3] https://www.homeriver.com/blog/what-is-the-maximum-rent-increase-allowed-in-texas
