Frequently Asked Questions by Residents
This information contained in the following FAQ's is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. If you have additional question of a legal nature, you may consider seeking competent legal counsel.
Who can I contact if I have problems with my landlord or property manager?
Before proceeding, be sure you are current on rent. Then, request a meeting with your landlord or property manager. This request should be made in writing. List any issues or concerns to be discussed in this correspondence. You may consider sending this request by certified mail, return receipt requested.
If your landlord or property manager does not respond to your written meeting request, consider requesting (again in writing) a meeting with their supervisor.
If a meeting can not be arranged or you are dissatisfied with the outcome of the meeting and your concern is related to the physical condition of your rental unit, contact your city’s code compliance department.
If your concern is landlord-tenant or lease related and your landlord or property manager does not respond, you might consider seeking competent legal counsel.
Who owns my rental property?
For property located in Tarrant County, ownership information (name and address) is available online at www.tad.org. If your property is located in another county, you can contact either the County Clerk’s office or the Appraisal District for that county and they can provide you with basic ownership information.
How do I know if my lease is valid?
If your lease is a TAA lease (i.e. has the TAA logo on it), then your lease is valid if the landlord was a member of the apartment association where your rental property is located at the time the lease was signed. Also, the TAA lease must not be entered-into after the expiration date on the top of the first page of the lease. In addition, the pen-and-ink, signed lease must be an original document, not a copy.
If you are using a written lease that is not a TAA lease or have an oral agreement, then you should carefully review all provisions of your lease to determine potential validity issues. If you have additional concerns, consider seeking competent legal counsel.
How do I get a copy of my lease?
At signing, you may request that your lease be executed in multiple originals (pen-and-ink signatures on yours and your landlord’s copy). At a minimum, you may request a copy of the original lease. Keep a copy of the lease in a safe place for the entire term of your residency. You might also consider retaining your lease for up to a year after you terminate your lease.
How old do you have to be to rent property in Texas?
The age of majority in Texas is 18; however, you may enter into a rental agreement at any age. You may be held liable for this obligation and age is not a reason to terminate. Regardless of age, you must satisfy the income, employment, credit, criminal, and other rental criteria required of all prospective residents prior to entering into a lease. If you do not meet this criterion, you may be asked to provide a guarantor to ensure that financial obligations are met. Regardless of age, lease-holders (those that sign the lease) are responsible for theirs, other occupants, and/or their guest’s conduct.
How much can my rent increase?
During your lease term, none of your lease provisions may change (including your rent) without your written consent. Upon renewal, there is no limit on the amount your rent may increase, and all lease provisions (including rent) are negotiable. You are free to accept the new, proposed rent or move to another rental property that fits your housing budget.
How do I file a complaint against my property?
If the concern is related to the physical condition of your rental unit, contact your city’s code compliance department. If your concern is landlord-tenant or lease related and your landlord or property manager does not respond, you can contact Legal Aid of Northwest Texas at (888) 529-5277.
What do I do if I have been notified that I am being evicted?
In Texas, Justice of the Peace (JP) courts have jurisdiction over landlord-tenant disputes. You may contact the JP court that has jurisdiction over where your rental is located to determine when your case will be heard. You may be evicted for any violation of your lease agreement such as non-payment of rent, holding over beyond the term of your lease, criminal activity, conduct of your guests, etc. Because this is a legal proceeding, you may consider seeking competent legal counsel.
I rent a house or duplex, not an apartment, what laws apply to me?
The vast majority of landlord-tenant laws apply to all landlord-tenant situations regardless of the type of physical structure.
What if I have an oral agreement and not a written lease?
Many Texas live in rental property based solely on “hand-shake” deals and oral agreements. This type of arrangement is tenuous at best. It is generally best to have a well defined, written agreement between you and your landlord that lists yours and your landlord’s rights and responsibilities. If you currently do not have a written lease, you may consider seeking competent legal counsel.
Do I have to pay rent if I loose my job; have unexpected medical bills; etc.?
Unless your lease states otherwise, you are obligated to pay the full amount of agreed-upon rent on the date due regardless of your circumstances. If you are uncertain about your payment obligations, you may consider seeking competent legal counsel.
What should I do if I suspect that I have been discriminated against?
Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act), as amended, prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of dwellings, and in other housing-related transactions, based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status (including children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women, and people securing custody of children under the age of 18), and handicap (disability). If you live in the City of Fort Worth, it is also unlawful to discriminate based upon sexual-orientation.
If you believe that you have been discriminated against, contact the U.S. Department of Housing’s Fort Worth Office at (817) 978-5900.
What information can a landlord require of a prospective renter?
When applying to rent, be prepared to provide personal information (name, address, date of birth, social security number, driver’s license number, etc.); financial information (income, employer, length of employment, credit history, etc.); rental history (current and prior addresses, name of current and prior landlord, eviction history, etc.); and criminal history.
How do I found out if a landlord accepts Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)?
The Housing Authorities that have jurisdiction over where the rental property is located are the source for this information. For more information, call (817) 333-3400.