Athens, TX local landlord rules

Also applies statewide

Texas rules that also apply in Athens:

Security deposit limit

No maximum. Texas's security deposit subchapter (Prop. Code §§ 92.101–92.113) sets no cap on the amount. Verified Source: Tex. Prop. Code §§ 92.101–92.113 · last checked 2026-10-23 · Full Texas security deposit limit page

Deposit return deadline

Under Tex. Prop. Code § 92.103(a), except as provided by Section 92.107, the landlord shall refund a security deposit to the tenant on or before the 30th day after the date the tenant surrenders the premises. A requirement that a tenant give advance notice of surrender as a condition for refunding the deposit is effective only if the requirement is underlined or is printed in conspicuous bold print in the lease. Under § 92.107, the landlord is not obligated to return the deposit or give a written description of damages and charges until the tenant gives a written statement of the tenant's forwarding address, but the tenant does not forfeit the right to a refund or to that description merely for failing to give a forwarding address. Under § 92.104, before returning the deposit the landlord may deduct damages and charges for which the tenant is legally liable under the lease or as a result of breaching the lease, but may not retain any portion to cover normal wear and tear, and must give the balance, if any, together with a written description and itemized list of all deductions, except that the itemized list is not required if the tenant owes rent when he surrenders possession and there is no controversy concerning the amount of rent owed. Under § 92.109(d), a landlord who fails either to return a security deposit or to provide a written description and itemization of deductions on or before the 30th day after the date the tenant surrenders possession is presumed to have acted in bad faith. Other sections of the subchapter, including records, change of owner, a fee in lieu of a security deposit, and the dollar amounts of landlord or tenant liability, are not fully restated here. Example: the 30-day refund clock in § 92.103(a) runs from the date the tenant surrenders the premises, but the landlord's obligation to actually send the refund or the itemized description does not begin until the tenant has given a written forwarding address under § 92.107; failing to give that address does not forfeit the tenant's right to the refund. Verified Source: Tex. Prop. Code §§ 92.103, 92.104, 92.107, 92.109(d) · last checked 2026-11-12 · Full Texas deposit return deadline page

Notice to enter

No Texas statute regulating landlord entry was found in Property Code chapter 92. Entry is governed by the lease, plus emergencies and repairs. Verified Source: Tex. Prop. Code ch. 92 · last checked 2026-10-23 · Full Texas notice to enter page

Late fees

Allowed only if the written lease provides for it and the fee is reasonable. A fee is presumed reasonable at up to 12% of monthly rent for buildings of 4 or fewer units, or 10% for buildings of more than 4 units. Verified Source: Tex. Prop. Code § 92.019 · last checked 2026-10-23 · Full Texas late fees page

Texas landlord FAQ