As a real estate attorney and business template specialist with over 12 years drafting and reviewing thousands of leases across the United States, I can tell you that a solid Texas residential lease agreement is the single most important document separating a smooth landlord-tenant relationship from expensive court battles. Whether you’re a first-time landlord in Austin, a property manager in Houston, or an investor with rental properties in Dallas-Fort Worth, having a compliant and comprehensive rental lease agreement in Texas protects everyone involved.
In this guide, I’m giving you my battle-tested, attorney-reviewed Texas residential lease agreement template completely free (updated for 2025 laws), along with a complete walkthrough of every section, Texas-specific requirements, and common pitfalls I’ve seen cost landlords thousands of dollars.
Quick Download Links:
Download Texas Residential Lease Agreement – PDF
Download Texas Residential Lease Agreement – Word (.docx)
Disclaimer: This template and article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult a licensed Texas attorney or professional before using any legal document.
Texas landlord-tenant law is governed primarily by Chapter 92 of the Texas Property Code, with additional rules in Chapters 8, 24, and 94 depending on the property type. Using a generic “one-size-fits-all” lease downloaded from a national site can leave you exposed because it almost always misses critical Texas requirements such as:
I’ve personally seen landlords lose eviction cases and pay triple damages plus attorney fees simply because their lease didn’t include the statutorily required language.
My 2025 template includes every required and recommended disclosure under Texas law:
| Feature | Included? | Texas Legal Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Required lead-based paint disclosure (pre-1978 homes) | Yes | 42 U.S.C. § 4852d |
| Smoke alarm & carbon monoxide disclosure | Yes | Tex. Prop. Code §92.258 |
| Security device (deadbolt, window latches, etc.) | Yes | Tex. Prop. Code §92.151 et seq. |
| Landlord’s agent for service of process | Yes | Tex. Prop. Code §92.003 |
| Parking rules & towing disclosure | Yes | Tex. Prop. Code §92.0131 |
| Bed bug addendum (recommended) | Yes | Tex. Prop. Code §92.010 |
| Early termination for military/family violence | Yes | Tex. Prop. Code §92.016–017 |
| Pool safety (if applicable) | Yes | Tex. Health & Safety Code Ch. 757 |
Clearly identifies landlord, tenant(s), and the exact rental address (including county – important for eviction filings).
Fixed-term (most common) or month-to-month. Texas law treats month-to-month differently for termination notice (Tex. Prop. Code §91.001).
Specifies due date, late fees (max 12% of rent for properties with 4 or fewer units – §92.019), returned check fees, and grace periods.
Texas has no statutory cap on security deposits, but you must return or account for the deposit within 30 days of surrender (§92.103). The template includes the required itemized deduction language to avoid triple-damage liability (§92.109).
Clearly allocates who pays water, electricity, trash, etc. If landlord pays water and then bills tenants via RUBS (ratio utility billing), specific disclosures are required (§92.351).
Outlines tenant’s duty to report issues promptly and landlord’s duty to repair conditions materially affecting health/safety within 7 days (§92.052).
Includes optional pet addendum with pet rent, deposits, and breed/size restrictions (Texas does not consider service/assistance animals separately under Fair Housing).
Bans illegal activity, excessive noise, and unauthorized subletting. Includes Texas-required criminal activity termination clause (§92.0161).
Texas does not require advance notice for non-emergency entry in most cases, but best practice (and my template) includes 24-hour notice language to avoid disputes.
Can I charge an application fee in Texas?
Yes, but you must provide a copy of your tenant selection criteria before collecting the fee (§92.3515).
Is a written lease required in Texas?
No, oral leases are valid for one year or less, but I never recommend them – you lose most statutory protections.
How much notice for eviction in Texas?
At least 3 days written notice to vacate for non-payment or lease violations (§24.005).
Can I prohibit marijuana use even if it’s medically legal?
Yes – Texas landlords may ban all smoking and marijuana use on the premises.
After handling hundreds of eviction and lease disputes in Texas courts, I can confidently say that 90% of problems stem from poorly drafted or outdated lease agreements. Using this free, attorney-reviewed Texas residential lease agreement template gives you immediate compliance with 2025 laws and dramatically reduces your risk.
Download it today, customize it once, and reuse it for every new tenant.
Download Now:
Texas Residential Lease Agreement 2025 – PDF
Texas Residential Lease Agreement 2025 – Word
Stay compliant, stay protected, and happy landlording!
This article and template were last updated November 2025. Always verify current law with a licensed professional. Sources include Texas Property Code Chapters 91–94 and official publications from the Texas Real Estate Commission and IRS.gov.