Texas Rental Housing Health Codes: What Renters Need to Know

Every renter in Texas deserves a safe and healthy place to call home. Understanding Texas's minimum housing health codes can help you ensure your rental meets required standards for safety, cleanliness, and basic utilities. If you're concerned about mold, leaks, broken utilities, or similar issues, knowing your rights and the steps to take is essential.

What Are Minimum Housing Health Codes in Texas?

In Texas, state law sets the foundation for minimum safety and health standards in rental homes. These rules require landlords to provide rental housing that is "habitable," meaning it is safe, sanitary, and fit to live in. Cities and counties may also have additional local codes, but the following basics generally apply statewide:

• Working plumbing, including hot and cold water
• Safe, functional electrical systems
• Heating (and sometimes cooling, depending on local rules)
• No significant infestations of insects or rodents
• Sound structural elements (walls, floors, roofs)
• Proper waste disposal and sanitation

These standards are mainly set by the Texas Property Code, Chapter 92 (Residential Tenancies).^[1]

Your Basic Rights as a Texas Renter

Texas law requires landlords to:

• Repair or remedy any condition that materially affects the physical health or safety of an ordinary tenant
• Comply with building and housing codes that materially affect health and safety
• Respond to written repair requests in a timely manner (usually within 7 days for most issues)

For more details, see the Texas Attorney General's guide to tenant rights.

How to Request Repairs and Take Action

If you notice hazards like exposed wiring, leaking pipes, visible mold, broken appliances, or pest invasions, act promptly:

• Document issues with photos or written notes
• Submit a written repair request to your landlord (email, certified mail, or in person with a receipt)
• Keep copies of all communications

Official Form in Texas: Notice of Intent to Repair and Deduct

Form Name: Notice to Landlord of Tenant's Intent to Repair and Deduct under Texas Property Code §92.0561

Example use: If your landlord doesn't fix a critical health or safety issue after your written request, you may deliver this notice as a final warning. If the landlord still does not act, you might be eligible to make the repair yourself and deduct costs from your rent, but strict rules apply.

• Download the official Notice of Intent to Repair and Deduct form (TexasLawHelp.org)

Important: Always review the latest version and consider legal advice before using this remedy, as Texas law has many specific requirements.

Filing an Official Complaint

If health and safety violations continue after reasonable requests, you can often file a complaint:

• City or County Code Enforcement Office: Most Texas cities have a code enforcement office. Report unsafe conditions (e.g., mold, pests, broken utilities) for official inspection.
• Find your local office via the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation or your city website.

Who Handles Rental Disputes in Texas?

Texas does not have a statewide residential tenancy tribunal. Instead, disputes and legal actions between renters and landlords (such as enforcing health codes or requesting repairs) are typically handled in your local Justice of the Peace Court (JP Court) in your county.

Summary of Your Rights and Landlord Duties

Landlords must keep rentals safe and healthy to meet both state and local standards. If problems arise, written documentation and timely communication are your best tools. For unresolved issues, official repair-and-deduct forms or local code enforcement can help protect your health and rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are some conditions that violate Texas rental health codes? Broken plumbing, exposed wiring, lack of heat, major pest infestations, and mold are examples of conditions that can violate health and safety standards in Texas rentals.
2. How quickly should my landlord make health or safety repairs? Generally, landlords must make repairs within 7 days after receiving your written request, especially if it affects your health or safety. For urgent issues, shorter timelines may apply.
3. How do I make a repair request? Always send a written request (by email, certified mail, or in person with proof). Describe the issue, include photos if possible, and save a copy for your records.
4. Can I call the city on my landlord? Yes, you can report serious safety or health violations to your city or county code enforcement office. Visit your local government website for specific complaint forms and processes.
5. What if my landlord refuses repairs or retaliation occurs? If legal remedies like repair and deduct are not working, or you face retaliation, you can file a claim at your local Justice of the Peace Court and seek further advice from resources listed below.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Texas Property Code, Chapter 92 – Residential Tenancies (official statutes)
• Texas Attorney General – Tenants' Rights (plain-language guide)
• Find your local Justice of the Peace Court
• Code Enforcement Officers – Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation
• TexasLawHelp – Repairs and Habitability

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1. Texas Property Code, Chapter 92 – Residential Tenancies
2. Texas Attorney General – Tenants’ Rights
3. Justice of the Peace Courts – Texas Judicial Branch
4. Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation – Code Enforcement Officer Information

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