Renter help in Dallas-Fort Worth
Texas landlord-tenant law is set mostly at the state level through the Texas Property Code, so the same core rules generally apply whether you rent in Dallas, Fort Worth, or elsewhere in Dallas or Tarrant County. That makes it more predictable than states with layered city and county rules — but it also means the protections are narrower in some areas, so it's worth knowing exactly what the statute does and doesn't guarantee.
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CertRent is a free educational renter-verification platform. We're not a law firm, and nothing here is legal advice — but we'll point you to the relevant statute and where disputes are typically resolved.
"My landlord won't return my deposit"
A landlord must return your security deposit within 30 days of your surrendering the unit, and may not deduct for normal wear and tear (Property Code §92.103, §92.104). If they withhold any amount, they must give you a written itemized list of deductions unless you owed undisputed rent at move-out. Failing to return your deposit or provide an itemization within 30 days is presumed to be bad faith, which can make the landlord liable for $100 plus three times the wrongfully withheld amount, plus your attorney's fees (§92.109).
Deposit disputes of this size generally fall well within the jurisdiction of your local Justice of the Peace (JP) court, which handles civil claims up to $20,000 and does not require an attorney (Gov't Code §27.031). Texas folded its old "small claims court" into the JP courts in 2013, so JP court is the place to start.
"I got a notice to vacate"
Before filing an eviction (forcible detainer) suit, a landlord generally must give you at least 3 days' written notice to vacate, unless your lease specifies a different period — many leases shorten or lengthen this default (Property Code §24.005). After that notice period passes, the landlord may file suit in the Justice of the Peace court for the precinct where the property is located. Read your notice and your lease carefully — the notice period your lease sets can differ from the statutory default.
"My place needs repairs"
A landlord's duty to repair generally kicks in once you give proper notice (written, if your lease requires it), you're current on rent, and the problem materially affects health or safety, or is a failure to supply hot water of at least 120°F (Property Code §92.052). If the landlord doesn't act, you may have repair-and-deduct rights for certain serious conditions, up to one month's rent or $500, whichever is greater (§92.0561), and courts can order repairs, reduce rent, and award damages (§92.0563). These remedies have specific notice and timing requirements — read the statute or talk to a tenant advocate before withholding rent or hiring a contractor yourself.
"What am I owed on my application or deposit money?"
Texas does not cap the nonrefundable application fee, but a separate "application deposit" (if collected) is refundable, and a landlord who fails in bad faith to refund an application deposit owes $100 plus three times the amount plus attorney's fees (§92.354). See our application-fee rights guide for the full breakdown.
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This hub is general information, not legal advice. For your specific situation, consult a qualified attorney or your local Justice of the Peace court.
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