Property Maintenance in Austin, TX (2026)
2 verified property maintenance rules for Austin, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Property Blight
Austin Code Department aggressively enforces property maintenance standards under City Code Chapters 6-1 (Public Health and Sanitation) and 13-1 (Minimum Property Standards). Property blight violations include accumulated junk, abandoned vehicles, dilapidated structures, graffiti, and overgrown vegetation exceeding 12 inches. The city operates a complaint-driven enforcement system through 311 and Austin Code Connect. Repeat violators face escalating fines and the city can abate violations and place a lien on the property for costs.
Austin Property Blight & Nuisance Abatement
Some RestrictionsCommon Austin Code Violations - Accumulated Trash/Illegal Dumping; Dangerous/Fire-Damaged Structures; Housing in Substandard Condition; Stagnant Water
Accumulated Trash/Illegal Dumping - Austin residents may not accumulate trash, debris, brush, filth, carrion, or any other unsightly, objectionable, or unwholesome matter on their property. It is also a code violation to store any material on a vacant lot. [...] Dangerous/Fire-Damaged Structures - Dangerous structures must be made safe or demolished. Dangerous conditions include potential struc...
Vacant Lot Maintenance
Vacant lots in Austin must be maintained under City Code Chapter 6-1 (Public Health) and Chapter 13-1 (Minimum Property Standards). Owners must keep vegetation below 12 inches, prevent accumulation of debris and standing water, and secure any structures against unauthorized entry. Austin Code Department conducts proactive sweeps in areas with concentrated vacant lot complaints. The city can mow or clear a vacant lot and assess costs as a lien against the property after providing notice.
Austin Vacant Lot Maintenance Requirements
Some RestrictionsAustin Code Compliance Resources - Air Conditioning (Property Maintenance Code), Carbon Monoxide Alarms (Section 705), Notice of Violation (NOV)
City of Austin codes protect public health and safety and regulate proper property upkeep, land use, and building conditions. [...] Air Conditioning - As of July 10, 2025, homes in the City of Austin must be able to keep indoor air no hotter than 85 degrees and at least 15 degrees cooler than outside. The Property Maintenance Code applies to all homes in Austin, including apartments and other r...
Looking for Travis County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Austin city rules.
Property Maintenance in Travis County →