Updated August 04, 2024
A Texas standard residential lease agreement is a document used by a landlord renting property to a tenant for monthly payment under typical conditions. Before signing, the tenant will undergo a credit verification by completing a rental application. Once approved by the landlord, the standard lease will be drafted and signed between the parties. Most agreements of this type are for a 1-year term.
Laws – Title 8, Chapter 92 (Residential Tenancies)
Handbook – Tenants’ Rights Handbook (PDF)
Disclosures
Agent/Owner Identification – The lease must detail the owner of the property including their name and address. Also must include any managers or on-site agents with access to the property.[1]
Lead-Based Paint Disclosure – Federal law requiring landlords to include this disclosure to any residential lease for a property built before 1978. Must be signed by both landlord and tenant.
Parking Rules Addendum (PDF | MS Word | ODT) – Must have an addendum with the title of “PARKING RULES” that includes the parking spaces and areas. This addendum must be attached and signed by the tenant.[2]
Special Conditions to Cancel Agreement – Every lease must include the statement of:[3]
“Tenants may have special statutory rights to terminate the lease early in certain situations involving family violence or a military deployment or transfer”.
Tenant’s Remedies – The lease must include remedies for the tenant if a repair is not completed within seven (7) days. Usually, the landlord can include simple language such as if the repair is not made the tenant can hire a contractor and deduct the repair amount from the next month’s rent.[4]