How much can a landlord raise rent in Texas?
Texas has no cap on rent increases, and cities may adopt rent control only after a disaster with the governor's approval. An increase can take effect when the lease allows it or at renewal; a month-to-month tenancy can be changed with at least one month's notice. For six months after a tenant's protected act, a retaliatory increase is illegal.
Law checked against the statute text and official sources on November 7, 2026. Last site change: November 7, 2026 (changelog).
Is there a cap on rent increases in Texas?
No Texas law caps the amount of a residential rent increase.
Local rent control
- A city may adopt rent control only during a disaster-related housing emergency and with the governor's approval (Tex. Loc. Gov't Code § 214.902). No such ordinance was in force when this page was checked.
- Since September 1, 2023, local rules in areas covered by the Property Code are void unless the state expressly allows them (Tex. Prop. Code § 1.004).
How much notice is required?
No statute sets a specific notice period for rent increases. A month-to-month tenancy ends on the later of the date in the notice or one month after notice is given, unless both sides agreed otherwise in a signed writing (Tex. Prop. Code § 91.001). Many Texas leases require more notice before renewal; check the lease.
How often can rent go up?
No statutory limit.
During a fixed-term lease
No Texas statute allows an increase during a fixed-term lease. The rent in a signed lease generally binds both sides until it ends; written escalation clauses (for example for utilities, taxes or insurance) are recognized (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.332(b)).
Retaliatory increases
For six months after a tenant's good-faith exercise of a legal right, repair request, code complaint or participation in a tenant organization, the landlord may not retaliate by raising the rent, decreasing services, ending the lease or filing an eviction (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.331). Increases under a lease escalation clause or applied to the whole property are not retaliation (§ 92.332). Remedy: one month's rent plus $500, actual damages, court costs and attorney's fees (§ 92.333).
Other rules to know
- Late fees are allowed only after rent remains unpaid two full days after the due date and are presumed reasonable up to 12% of monthly rent (4 or fewer units) or 10% (more than 4 units) (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.019).
Texas Fair Market Rents 2027 by county →
Sources: Tex. Prop. Code ch. 92 · Tex. Prop. Code ch. 91 · Tex. Prop. Code ch. 1 · Tex. Loc. Gov't Code ch. 214