Formswift: Leasing has never been easier with our Texas lease agreement template
Simplify your leasing process with our Texas lease agreement template. With full customization options and comprehensive coverage of essential terms, it's the perfect way to protect your rights and ensure a smooth landlord-tenant relationship.
The most commonly used Texas lease agreement is the fixed-term, residential lease agreement. This covers residential properties (e.g., houses, apartments, and condos).
It includes important details such as the lease length, rent amount, payment terms, security deposit, pet policy, and other terms.
How to write a Texas lease agreement
To write a Texas lease agreement, use our template and follow these simple steps:
- Begin by including the names and contact information of both the landlord and tenant.
- Describe the rental property, including its address and any unique features.
- Specify the lease term, including the move-in and move-out dates.
- Clearly state the monthly rent amount, the due date, late fees, and acceptable rent payment methods.
- Outline the conditions for the security deposit, including the amount and terms for its return.
- Define the responsibilities of both the landlord and tenant regarding maintenance, repairs, utilities, property managers, and insurance.
- Include any specific occupancy rules or restrictions applicable to the property, such as pet policies, parking rules, or smoking regulations.
- Ensure that both parties sign the agreement to indicate their agreement to the terms and conditions.
Which disclosures belong in a Texas lease agreement?
When creating a Texas lease agreement, make sure to include the following disclosures as required by Texas law and federal law.
Provide details about the security deposit, including its amount, purpose, and conditions for refund.
If the rental property was built before 1978, provide information about lead-based paint hazards.
Disclose any known environmental hazards on the property, such as asbestos or mold.
Inform tenants about the presence and functionality of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms.
Notify tenants of their rights to terminate the lease early in specific circumstances, such as domestic violence or military deployment.
There’s no set limit on the amount Texas landlords can charge for security deposits. Renters must also be given written notice of any rights and obligations related to the security deposit.
Landlords must return the deposit, or provide an itemized list of deductions, within 30 days of lease ending.
Frequently asked questions
While oral agreements can be valid in Texas, we highly recommend you have a written lease agreement (even for sublease agreements or month-to-month lease arrangements) to avoid misunderstandings or disputes.
Unless stated otherwise in the rental contract, landlords in Texas can increase the rent during the lease term. However, they must provide proper notice as specified in the agreement or according to state laws.
Breaking a lease agreement in Texas typically results in financial or legal penalties, including eviction.
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