"You would be hard pressed to find a lawyer in the DFW area, or the entire US for that matter, that is as honest, hard working and knowledgeable as Mark Anderson." G.D. - Fort Worth, TX
"There was never a time that I was not aware of what was going on with my claim. Everybody at the firm was always friendly and caring." C.M. - Watauga, TX
"The insurance company was not willing to budge an inch, but you guys got more than we had anticipated!"S.Z. - Fort Worth, TX

Becoming A Landlord for the First Time in Texas

The current economic downturn is eliminating many jobs, but it's also creating new second jobs as many folks are now becoming landlords for the first time. The new landlords I am talking about are the ones who have fled the uncertainties of the stock market and have decided to buy a foreclosed property. Having handled several evictions in the past, I know first-hand how important it is for a landlord to know the relevant Texas law.

How much about tenant law you have to learn depends on whether you decide to manage the property yourself or hire a professional management company to do it for you. If you go at it alone, the best way to jump right in is to look at Chapters 91 and 92 of the Texas Property Code. You can view and copy the TPC at your local law library.

rent house apartment dallas fort worth arlington dfw bedford hurst mansfield landlord tenanr rule regulation lawyer attorney

Some of the laws you need to know are:

You must rekey the property after each tenant.
You must provide a keyless deadbolt and an "eyehole" for each outside door.
You must keep the property in a livable condition
You must keep any security deposits separately, account for any money retained, and refund any amount due to tenant within 30 days of when tenant vacates the premises

You must have an operable smoke alarm for each bedroom (and the law is very particular about location and types of alarms)

One of the most important set of laws pertains to the eviction process. You cannot evict a tenant for non-payment of rent or breach of the rental contract without following a strict procedure. Stated simply, this procedure requires a notice letter, then a court filing at the local Justice of the Peace, service of the court filing, on the tenant, a Court hearing to determine if the eviction is proper, a waiting period to see if an appeal is pursued by the tenant, then service of a Writ of Possession on the tenant, then the actual "move out" which must be overseen by the Constable. It really is a lot of steps!

Written leases are the best way to govern the landlord-tenant relationship. One of the best ones is put out by the Texas Apartment Association-it's several pages long and full of rules that you might not think of, like the regulation of parking, of long term overnight guests, of law breaking, etc. While it costs money to join the TAA and be able to use its lease, membership also allows you to purchase the TAA's "Red Book" which has all of the applicable laws, forms and lots of helpful hints.

So, new landlords, do yourselves a favor and review the law. I can guarantee you will learn something you didn't know before. None of the laws will discourage you from becoming a landlord, but they will sure cause you problems if you don't follow them.

NOTE: If you are about to become a tenant for the first time, or the first time in a long time, there is probably not a need to learn the law on landlord-tenant relationships, but it's a good idea to require that the lease be in writing. Plus, if your landlord makes promises to fix up a place prior to you moving in, then get those promises in writing. In fact, it is always best to communicate all problems you have in writing.

If you have any questions about the eviction process or the landlord-tenant relationship don't hesitate to contact the attorneys and lawyers at the Anderson Law Firm. Call us in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900, in Dallas at 214-327-8000, or Contact Us Online for a free consultation.

Other Articles You Might Be Interested In:
Premises Liability
Dangerous property conditions
Life After An Accident Can Be Stressful Unless You Hire An Attorney
Why NOT to Deal With Insurance Companies on Your Own
Making a Claim Against Your Neighbor

fort worth tarrant county texas personal injury lawyer pi attorney

Mark Anderson has been practicing personal injury law since 1991 and is recognised as one of the best attorneys in his field.

Mark is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization – a distinction held by fewer than 2% of Texas lawyers. He was selected as a life member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum as recognition for his success in recovering compensation for his clients. He has been honored with the prestigious AV Rating by the Martindale Hubbard System and has been rated 10/10 (the highest level possible) by the AVVO Rating System which ranks attorneys based on experience, conduct and industry recognition. Mark was selected as a Top Personal Injury Attorney by Fort Worth Magazine in 2009 and 2010.

For more information about Mark, see his biography.

board certified top attorney best lawyer official logo recommended fort worth magazine

Consumer Guides

15 Mistakes That Will Wreck Your Texas Accident Case!

ROADMAP to Winning Your Texas Motorcycle Accident Case

Texas Property Damage Guide

See All Books

Contact Mark Privately

Name *

Phone *

Email *

Tell us more *

Main Office
1310 W. El Paso Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
Phone: 817-294-1900
Toll Free: 800-354-MARK
Get Directions

North Tarrant County Office
9500 Ray White Rd., Suite 200
Keller TX 76244
Phone: 817-294-1900
Toll Free: 800-354-MARK
By Appointment Only
Get Directions

Dallas Office
3102 Maple Ave, Suite 400
Dallas, Texas 75201
Phone: 214-327-8000
Toll Free: 800-354-MARK
By Appointment Only
Get Directions

Receive Our
Free Newsletter