Free Texas Residential Lease Agreement | Fillable PDF Form

📋 Texas Residential Lease Agreement

Fixed-Term Lease – Comprehensive Texas Property Code Compliant

📋 What This Lease Is For

Fixed-term residential lease agreement:

  • Fixed term: Set beginning and end date (typically 12 months)
  • Residential only: For living purposes, not commercial
  • Texas-specific: Includes required Texas disclosures
  • Legally binding: Enforceable contract between landlord and tenant
  • Both parties protected: Outlines rights and responsibilities

⚠️ Required Texas Disclosures

Texas law requires certain disclosures in lease:

  • Owner/Manager information: Name and address (§ 92.201)
  • Lead paint disclosure: If built before 1978 (federal law)
  • Smoking policy: If restrictions exist (§ 92.0111)
  • Flood disclosure: If in 100-year floodplain (§ 92.201(g))
  • Security deposit terms: If advance notice required (§ 92.103)

🚨 Important Legal Requirements

Texas landlord-tenant law (Property Code Chapter 92):

  • No cap on security deposit (but must be reasonable)
  • 30-day return: Must return/itemize security deposit within 30 days
  • Normal wear and tear: Cannot charge for normal wear
  • Right to repair: Tenant can request repairs (§ 92.052)
  • No retaliation: Cannot retaliate for tenant exercising rights (§ 92.331)

📝 Lease Information

Date lease is signed

Property Information

Required for lead paint disclosure if before 1978

Landlord Information

Required disclosure under § 92.201

Tenant Information

All adults must be on lease

Lease Term

Rent and Fees

Cannot charge until day 3 after due date (§ 92.019)

Texas requires minimum 2-day grace period (§ 92.019)

No Texas law cap (but must be reasonable)

Utilities and Services

Occupancy

Adults + children who will live in property

Smoking Policy

Required disclosure under § 92.0111

Required Texas Disclosures

Required disclosure under § 92.201(g)

📚 Texas Residential Lease Agreement Guide

Legal Authority: Texas Property Code Chapter 92 governs residential leases. Lease must include owner/manager disclosure (§ 92.201), smoking policy if restrictions exist (§ 92.0111), flood disclosure (§ 92.201(g)). No cap on security deposit amount but 30-day return required (§ 92.103-104). Cannot charge late fees until day 3 after due date (§ 92.019). Normal wear and tear cannot be deducted from deposit. Pre-1978 housing requires federal lead paint disclosure.

Essential Lease Components

Every Texas lease should include:

  • Parties: Landlord and tenant names
  • Property: Complete address
  • Term: Start and end dates
  • Rent: Amount and due date
  • Security deposit: Amount and terms
  • Late fees: Amount and when charged
  • Utilities: Who pays what
  • Occupancy limits: Maximum occupants
  • Pet policy: Allowed or prohibited
  • Smoking policy: Restrictions if any
  • Required disclosures: All Texas-mandated disclosures

Required Texas Disclosures

📋 Mandatory Lease Disclosures

1. Owner/Manager Information (§ 92.201):

  • Owner’s name and address
  • Or management company name and address
  • Must be in lease or given separately
  • Penalty if not provided: $100 + attorney fees

2. Smoking Policy (§ 92.0111):

  • Required if smoking restrictions exist
  • Must state where smoking prohibited
  • Can prohibit everywhere or restrict to outside
  • Disclosure protects landlord from liability

3. Flood Disclosure (§ 92.201(g)):

  • Mandatory since 2022
  • Must disclose if in 100-year floodplain
  • Check FEMA flood maps
  • Important for insurance purposes

4. Lead Paint (Federal Law):

  • Required for housing built before 1978
  • Must disclose known lead hazards
  • Must provide EPA pamphlet
  • Tenant gets 10 days to inspect

Security Deposit Rules

Texas security deposit law (§ 92.101-109):

  • No cap on amount: Unlike many states, no legal maximum
  • 30-day return: Must return OR itemize within 30 days of move-out
  • Normal wear and tear: Cannot deduct for normal use
  • Bad faith penalty: 3x deposit + attorney fees if wrongfully withheld
  • Itemization required: Must provide detailed list of deductions
  • Forwarding address: Tenant must provide in writing

Late Fees

Texas late fee law (§ 92.019):

  • 2-day grace period: Cannot charge late fee until day 3 after due date
  • Reasonable amount: Must be reasonable (typically $50-100 or 5-10% of rent)
  • Must be in lease: Late fee terms must be stated in lease
  • Not automatic: Landlord chooses whether to charge

⚖️ Legal Disclaimer

This form is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Texas Property Code Chapter 92 governs residential leases. Must include required disclosures: owner/manager (§ 92.201), smoking policy if restrictions (§ 92.0111), flood disclosure (§ 92.201(g)). Lead paint disclosure required for pre-1978 housing (federal law).

This is a basic form. Every rental situation is different. Consider having lease reviewed by Texas real estate attorney, especially for valuable properties or complex situations. Texas Apartment Association (TAA) and Texas REALTORS® (TAR) offer comprehensive lease forms.

Keep copies signed by all parties. Both landlord and tenant should have fully executed copy. Lease is binding contract – read carefully before signing. Consult attorney if questions about terms or Texas landlord-tenant law.