07/27/2026
A young lady reached out to me about her grievances with her apartment management. I did a quick Google to help make her aware of her tenant rights.
I thought it would be a great idea to share with as many people as I can. You have tenant rights in the State of Texas. There is a proper way and steps you need to take to make sure you aren't taking the proper steps to make your request known and Prayerfully resolve your issues.
First, things first. Don't just tell your property manager what you need, PUT IT IN WRITING! For more information, check the website below 👇🏽
In Texas, the state strongly protects tenant rights regarding security, habitability, and freedom from retaliation, which are outlined in the Texas Property Code. Renters can file lease-related grievances directly with local branches of the Texas Apartment Association (TAA) or escalate housing code violations to state agencies. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Key Tenant Rights in Texas (Houston Residents/HARRIS COUNTY)
• Repairs: Landlords must make repairs to conditions that materially affect physical health or safety. Repair requests should always be submitted in writing and a dated copy kept for your records.
• Retaliation Protections: It is illegal for landlords to retaliate (e.g., raising rent, filing for eviction) for six months after you make a complaint in good faith to the landlord or a government agency.
• Security Devices: Texas law requires specific locks on exterior doors (deadbolts, keyless deadbolts) and sliding glass doors. Landlords must rekey locks between tenancies.
• Privacy: Under the standardized TAA Lease Contract, management can enter your apartment for requested repairs, pest control, filter changes, or emergencies without giving prior notice. [8]
How to File Complaints
The Texas Apartment Association (TAA) is primarily an industry trade group that represents landlords, not a regulatory enforcement agency. However, if your landlord uses the standard TAA lease, local associations offer Resident Relations programs to help mediate.
• Local Association Assistance: If you live in Houston, the Houston Apartment Association (HAA) has a Resident Relations department that will take complaints about move-out disputes, maintenance, and noise, and forward them directly to the property management. You can fill out the HAA's Resident Relations Online Complaint Form or call 713-595-0300 Monday through Friday.
• State Legal Rights & Handbooks: For complex legal disputes, consult the Texas Attorney General Renters' Rights Guide for a full breakdown of state property codes. You can also reference the State Bar of Texas Tenants' Rights Handbook for deep dives into lease terms and deposit recovery.
• State Housing Complaints: If your property receives funding or subsidies from the state, you can submit a grievance to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA). Submit these using the TDHCA Complaint Submission System or by calling (800) 525-0657.
