Your complete guide to renter protections in Austin, TX. Learn about local ordinances, rent control status, security deposit rules, and how city law works alongside Texas state protections.
No
Rent Control
30
Days to Return Deposit
No limit
Max Deposit
3
Local Protections
Current rent regulation status
No Local Rent Control
Austin does not have local rent control. Texas state law governs rent increase practices.
Without local rent control, landlords in Austin may raise rent with proper written notice as required by Texas law. There is no cap on the amount of increase, but it must not be retaliatory or discriminatory.
Austin-specific laws and ordinances
Austin Tenant Relocation Assistance ordinance for redevelopment
SMART Housing incentive program includes affordability requirements
Source-of-income discrimination protections proposed
Local ordinances work alongside Texas state law. Where local protections are stronger, the local rule typically applies. View full Texas state protections.
Laws that apply to all Texas renters
Max Security Deposit
No limit
Deposit Return Deadline
30 days
Entry Notice Required
Reasonable notice
Governing Statute
Texas Property Code
Common questions about renting in Austin
No, Austin does not currently have local rent control. Texas state law governs rent increase rules. Landlords must typically provide proper written notice before raising rent.
Texas does not set a statutory cap on security deposits. However, landlords must return deposits within 30 days of move-out.
Austin tenants benefit from several protections: Austin Tenant Relocation Assistance ordinance for redevelopment; SMART Housing incentive program includes affordability requirements; Source-of-income discrimination protections proposed. These are in addition to Texas state law.
You can contact the Austin local housing authority or code enforcement department to file complaints about habitability issues, discrimination, or landlord violations. Visit your local housing authority's website for details. You can also file with the Texas attorney general's office for state-level violations.
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Contact the Austin housing authority for local assistance, complaints, and Section 8 programs.
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