Rental Property Rules in Lewisville, TX

If you live in Lewisville or are thinking about moving there, rental property rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Lewisville has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of rental property rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Rental Registration

Every multi-family rental complex in Lewisville must carry a current city license under City Code § 4-206, renewed annually by the owner or property manager. The Neighborhood and Inspection Services Department issues the license only after confirming backflow-device testing and fire-protection-system compliance, and a complex still less than three years past its first final building inspection is exempt from the license fee.

Key details: License term: 1 year, must renew before expiring. New-build exemption: No fee if under 3 years old. Prerequisites: Current backflow and fire-system testing. Appeal deadline: 20 calendar days to City Manager. Display: License must be posted on-site.

Operating a multi-family complex without a current license, letting a license lapse without renewal, or falsifying license or inspection information is unlawful under § 4-206. A revoked license bars operation until reinstated, and appeals of revocation must reach the City Manager in writing within 20 calendar days; revocation is not stayed while an appeal is pending.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Lewisville actively enforces its rental registration requirements.

Repairs & Habitability

Lewisville's Property Maintenance Code requires landlords to supply heat maintaining at least 68°F in every habitable room, bathroom, and toilet room, and to keep tight-fitting insect screens on ventilation openings. Neighborhood and Inspection Services enforces the standard against owners who rent, lease, or let dwelling units.

Key details: Minimum heat, habitable rooms: 68°F (20°C). Minimum heat, occupied work spaces: 65°F (18°C). Screen mesh requirement: 16 mesh per inch minimum. Enforcing office: Neighborhood and Inspection Services. Max fine per day: $2,000 (health/sanitation offenses).

Failure to maintain required heat or screens after a notice of violation exposes the owner to a fine of up to $2,000 for each day the violation continues, since property maintenance falls under public health and sanitation offenses under the general penalty, City Code § 1-15(a). Each day of noncontinued compliance is a separate offense, and the city may also seek a court order under § 109.3/§ 113.2.

The Bottom Line

Lewisville's rental property rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Lewisville is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Lewisville's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.