Texas Tenant Rights: Domestic Violence Eviction and Lock Change Protections

If you’re a renter in Texas facing domestic violence, state law gives you important rights and protections. This guide explains your rights, the steps you can take, and which official forms and agencies can help, so you can stay safe in your home or leave securely if you need to.

What Protections Do Texas Renters Have If Facing Domestic Violence?

Texas law grants special protections to tenants who are victims (or parents/guardians of victims) of certain domestic or sexual violence offenses. These can help you quickly change your locks, end a lease early without penalty, and prevent wrongful eviction based on the abuse.

• Right to Early Lease Termination
• Right to Change Locks Promptly
• Protection from Landlord Retaliation or Wrongful Eviction

These rights apply to renters protected by a qualifying court order (like a protective order) or who have documentation of abuse as defined by Texas law.

How to End Your Lease Early If Experiencing Domestic Violence

Under the Texas Property Code Sec. 92.016, you can end your lease early if you or someone in your household is a victim of family violence or certain sexual offenses, stalking, or human trafficking.

• Give your landlord written notice and a copy of either a valid protective order or qualified documentation showing abuse.
• You are only responsible for rent owed up to the date you vacate, plus unpaid fees up to the move-out date.
• Your landlord cannot penalize you for leaving early due to family violence.

Landlords may request specific documentation, but cannot delay your lease termination if you meet Texas requirements.

How to Change Your Locks for Safety

Texas law also gives tenants the right to have locks changed when facing domestic violence. You may request this from your landlord if you provide the proper documentation:

• You must make a written request for lock changes.
• Attach a copy of either a current court order or official documentation of abuse.
• Landlords must change locks within 3 business days of your request and documentation.

Landlords may charge the actual cost of lock changes. Only tenants named in the protective order can request and receive new keys—the person named as the offender cannot be given a key.

Official Forms: What Do You Need?

• Protective Order (No Form #)
  Use: Victims of domestic violence can apply at their county courthouse to obtain a Protective Order.
  Example: If you’ve suffered abuse, you file for a Protective Order; once granted, you can give a copy to your landlord to terminate your lease or request lock changes.
  Get started here: How to Get a Protective Order in Texas
• Lease Termination Notice Due to Family Violence (No state-issued form)
  Use: This is a written notice you prepare. Include your details, address, explanation of domestic violence, and attach your protective order or qualifying documentation.
  Example: You write a simple letter to your landlord along with your court paperwork to officially end your lease.
  Guide: Follow the Texas Property Code guidance for required contents.
• Request to Change Locks (No state-issued form)
  Use: A written letter or email to your landlord, requesting a lock change and attaching your court order or documentation.
  Example: You email the landlord with your court-provided paperwork, explaining your safety needs—landlord must act within 3 business days.
  See explanation here: Living Safely and Leaving Abuse in Texas (Attorney General)

Texas does not have standardized forms for these notices; your own written request, with appropriate legal documentation, fulfills the legal requirements.

Which Agency Handles Tenant-Landlord Disputes in Texas?

The official agency for most landlord-tenant issues in Texas is the local Justice of the Peace Court. For general renter information and administrative matters—including links to the Texas Property Code—see the Texas Attorney General's Tenant Rights portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I end my Texas lease early if I am a victim of domestic violence?
   Yes. With a proper protective order or qualifying documentation, you may terminate your lease early under Texas law. You’ll need to give written notice and documents to your landlord.
2. How quickly must my landlord change the locks after I request it?
   By law, your landlord has three business days to change the locks after you submit your written request and the proper documentation.
3. Does my landlord need to know the details of my abuse situation?
   No. You only need to provide the required documentation (such as a court order or qualified report). You don’t have to share personal or sensitive details beyond this.
4. What if my landlord refuses to cooperate with lock changes or lease termination?
   If your landlord doesn’t follow the law, you may file a complaint with your local Justice of the Peace Court and seek legal assistance. Always keep copies of your requests and documents.
5. Do I have to pay extra fees for breaking my lease because of domestic violence?
   No. You are only responsible for rent and fees due before the move-out date. No penalties or extra charges can be added when lawfully breaking the lease due to family violence.

Key Takeaways for Texas Renters Facing Domestic Violence

• Texas law protects your right to end your lease early and change locks if you’re a victim of domestic violence.
• Written notice and proper documentation are essential—there are no official state forms, but you must carefully include all required info.
• If your rights are denied, contact your local Justice of the Peace or the Attorney General’s office for help.

Remember, your safety and housing stability are protected by statute—help is available if you need it.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Texas Attorney General – Tenant Rights: Tenant safety, lease termination, and lock change guidance.
• Find Your Local Justice of the Peace Court: File complaints or get local legal support in landlord/tenant disputes.
• Texas Property Code Chapter 92: Full text of Texas’s landlord-tenant laws.
• Getting a Texas Protective Order (Attorney General): Official guide to court orders for safety.

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1. Texas Property Code Sec. 92.016. Tenant’s Right to Terminate Lease and Change Locks Due to Family Violence
2. Texas Attorney General: Tenant Rights and Protections
3. Texas Courts: Justice of the Peace Courts
4. Protective Orders: Official Texas Guide
5. Living Safely: Attorney General PDF Guide

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