As a landlord in Texas, you need to fulfill various legal obligations. Here are some of the most important ones:
- Comply with fair housing laws: You cannot discriminate against tenants based on protected characteristics like race, religion, national origin, gender, familial status, or disability.
- Provide habitable premises: You must keep the rental unit in a safe and sanitary condition and make necessary repairs to keep the premises habitable. This includes providing adequate heating, hot water, and cooling, as well as addressing pest infestations and mold growth.
- Comply with building and housing codes: You must comply with all applicable building and housing codes, such as fire safety codes, zoning regulations, and occupancy requirements.
- Disclose important information: If you know about any defects in the rental unit or any potential hazards, you must disclose them to your tenants.
- Give proper notice: Before entering the rental unit or terminating the tenancy, you must provide proper notice to your tenants. This includes giving at least 24 hours' notice before entering the premises, and giving proper notice before terminating the lease for non-payment of rent or other breaches.
- Return security deposits: When the tenancy ends, you must return the tenant's security deposit within 30 days, unless you have lawful deductions for unpaid rent or damages.
It's essential to follow these obligations and understand the laws to avoid possible lawsuits or penalties. If you need more information or assistance with any legal issues, always consult a licensed attorney or seek legal resources from Texas law associations or organizations.
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