Can Your Lubbock Landlord Do That? 7 Rules Renters Should Know

Ever been stuck with a horrible landlord in Lubbock? I sure have. It's a nightmare.

You're already paying an arm and a leg in rent. That's stressful enough. You shouldn't have to wonder whether or not your landlord is breaking the law.

Here are seven important things to know about your Texas landlord.

1. Can My Landlord Enter Whenever They Want?

gold door lever on brown wooden door

No, not exactly. There isn't a statewide 24-hour notice requirement in Texas, but your lease may spell out when and how your landlord can enter.

As a Texas renter, you have a right to quiet enjoyment of your rental, so if your landlord is walking in at all hours of the day and night, take a look at your lease agreement. Are they breaking the rules?

Learn more about it here: Texas Attorney General - Renter's Rights

2. Can My Landlord Refuse To Fix A Dangerous Problem?

an old room with a fan and a television

Under most conditions, landlords have to repair conditions that could affect your physical health or safety. It's generally required that you provide them with proper notice of the problem first.

Learn more about required repairs involving your health and safety in Texas Property Code §§92.052–92.056.

3. Can My Landlord Cut Off My Utilities Because I'm Late On Rent?

a row of water pumps sitting next to each other

Most of the time, no. Texas law restricts landlords from utility service interruptions except in specific circumstances, like necessary repairs and emergencies.

Learn more about it in Texas Property Code §92.008.

READ MORE: Can Your Lubbock Neighbor Block Your Driveway?

4. Can Your Landlord Keep Your Entire Security Deposit?

100 us dollar bill

No, not just because your apartment looks "lived in." Landlords cannot generally charge you normal "wear and tear," and Texas law has also established requirements for landlords when it comes to returning deposits.

That being said, I've only ever gotten one deposit back in my entire history of renting in Texas. I wish I'd known the rules. If this has happened to you, you're certainly not alone.

Learn more about your deposit in Texas Property Code §§92.101–92.109.

5. Can My Landlord Retaliate Because I Complained?

shallow focus photo of white and gray bird

No! You have rights, silly!

Certain retaliatory actions are explicitly prohibited when a tenant exercises their legal rights or makes a complaint.

Learn more about landlord retaliation in Texas Property Code §§92.331–92.335.

6. Can My Landlord Throw Me Out Whenever They Want?

black and white letter m

Nope. Eviction requires a legal process, and a landlord cannot just change the locks and declare you homeless. (Which is a good thing because I would use some rather choice verbiage in that sort of situation...)

Learn more about the eviction process in Texas Property Code Chapter 24.

7. Can My Landlord Suddenly Change My Lease Rules?

two people shaking hands over a piece of paper

Absolutely not.

Your lease is a legally binding contract. Read through it carefully and always get any agreed-upon changes in writing, just in case.

Learn more about your lease and your rights with the Texas Attorney General - Renter's Rights.

Did You Learn Anything?

man holding his chin facing laptop computer

Hopefully this clears a few things up for anyone struggling with a cruddy landlord. Good luck out there, guys. Knowing your rights is the best way to keep from getting screwed over by a jerk!

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