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What Tenants Can Do Legally: A Guide to Renters’ Rights in Texas and the U.S.

  • Writer: Nitin Gupta, CRS, REALTOR
    Nitin Gupta, CRS, REALTOR
  • 4 minutes ago
  • 3 min read


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Renting comes with obligations — but you also have legal rights. Whether you live in a Dallas apartment or anywhere in the U.S., it’s important to understand what you can do when facing unsafe conditions, unfair charges, or disputes with your landlord.


Below is a practical breakdown of key protections and actions tenants can legally take.


1. You Can Request Repairs for Unsafe or Unlivable Conditions

Every U.S. state requires landlords to provide a habitable home — meaning:

  • Working plumbing, heating, and electricity

  • No major leaks, mold, or pest infestations

  • Doors and windows that lock

  • Safe structure (no collapsing ceilings, exposed wiring, etc.)

In Texas, when something threatens health or safety, tenants may:

  1. Notify the landlord in writing

  2. Provide a reasonable time for repair

  3. Keep a copy of the request for documentation

If repairs are ignored, tenants may pursue options such as:

  • Rent reductions

  • Repair-and-deduct (only when legal conditions are met)

  • Ending the lease in severe cases


2. You Can Request Your Landlord Enter Only With Proper Notice

Most states require landlords to give reasonable notice — typically 24 hours — before entering, except emergencies.

In Texas:

  • No statewide statutory notice rule exists

  • But leases usually specify notice requirements

  • Unauthorized entry may be harassment or lease violation

Always check your written lease.


3. You Can Fight Illegal Evictions

Landlords cannot remove tenants without:

  • Proper notice

  • A court order

  • A formal eviction process

It is illegal for landlords to:

  • Change locks

  • Shut off utilities

  • Remove belongings

These are called self-help evictions, and tenants can take legal action if they occur.


4. You Can Recover Your Security Deposit Fairly

When you move out of a Texas rental and provide a forwarding address:

  • The landlord must return your deposit within 30 days

  • Any deductions must include an itemized list

Excessive or undocumented charges may be challenged in small claims court.


5. You Can Say “No” to Retaliation

Texas law protects tenants from retaliation if they:

  • Request repairs

  • Report code violations

  • Join tenant organizations

Landlords cannot legally respond by raising rent, threatening eviction, or cutting services.


6. You Can Request Disability Accommodations

Under Federal Fair Housing laws, tenants with disabilities may request:

  • Reasonable modifications (grab bars, ramps, etc.)

  • Reasonable accommodations (service animals, parking changes, etc.)

Landlords must engage in a fair process — and may not charge extra fees for accommodations.


7. You Can Expect Freedom from Discrimination

Under Federal Fair Housing protections, it is illegal to discriminate based on:

  • Race

  • Sex

  • Religion

  • National origin

  • Disability

  • Family status

Texas enforces these protections and adds additional local enforcement in some cities.


When to Get Help

If a landlord ignores the law, tenants can contact:

  • Local housing authority

  • Legal aid organizations

  • Tenant rights groups in Texas

  • A qualified attorney

These organizations help renters understand their documentation, deadlines, and rights.


Final Thought

Many renters assume their landlord holds all the power.The law says otherwise.

By knowing what you can legally do — repair requests, privacy enforcement, deposit protections, anti-retaliation rights, and more — you gain control and confidence in your housing situation.




About us: Prosper Leasing Expert Real Estate Agent


As a Top Real Estate Professional in Prosper & Dallas area, I understand the challenges that arise when finding a tenant for your investment home. T


As a holder of top real estate industry certifications and designations like CRS, ABR & GRI, I can offer my clients experience as an expert Real Estate Agent in Prosper and REALTOR®, top Industry Customer Service, in-depth, up-to-the-minute and comprehensive market knowledge; honesty, integrity, dedication, and professionalism in my business.


Whether you are a first time investor in Prosper looking to find a tenant or whether you are an experienced investor, I can help you find a new tenant for your home in Prosper. Our leasing team eases the process. We will work with you to find a tenant that best suits your needs. We have all the tools you need to help your tenant search. Whether it is video previews of homes, extended work hours, digital signatures for documents or more, we can make this process as comfortable as possible no matter where you are located.


What is most important to you in your tenant search for your investment home in Prosper? Send us an email at info@NitinGuptaDFW.com or give us a call at (469) 269-6541 to schedule a no obligation consultation. We’ll give you honest advice about Prosper market that you can use to help make your home leasing decision.





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