Pharr's Rental Property Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles rental property rules a little differently. In Pharr, Texas, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Rental Registration

Pharr requires landlords of multi-family rental complexes to register annually with the building official and pay a $50 fee plus per-unit inspection charges.

Key details: Registration fee: $50.00 annually. Per-unit inspection fee: $20.00 per unit/year. Late fee: $5.00 per month delinquent. Ownership-change deadline: 30 days to re-register. Applies to: Multi-family complexes, 2+ units.

Leasing or renting space without a valid certificate of occupancy is unlawful; failure to register or pay fees can bring the property before municipal court, with the building official able to order units vacated until compliance.

Repairs & Habitability

Pharr's Housing Code sets minimum habitability standards for rental units, working plumbing, heat, hot water, and structural soundness, and lets the city order repairs, disconnect utilities, or placard units that fall short.

Key details: Governing law: Code of Ordinances Ch. 22, Art. VIII. Minimum hot water temp: 110°F required. Multi-family license/inspection fee: $50 annual + $20/unit. Placard tampering penalty: $500 fine. Penalty structure: each day = separate offense.

Renting or occupying a substandard unit, or violating this division, is a misdemeanor; each day of violation is a separate offense, and a suspended or revoked multi-family license carries re-inspection and licensing fees.

The Bottom Line

Pharr'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 Pharr is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Pharr can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.