Rental Property Rules in Brownsville, TX (2026)
3 verified rental property rules for Brownsville, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Rent Control
Brownsville sets no limit on rent or rent increases. Texas Local Government Code § 214.902 lets a city adopt rent control only after it finds a housing emergency caused by a declared disaster and the governor approves the ordinance.
Rent control barred absent disaster and governor approval
Few RestrictionsTex. Loc. Gov't Code § 214.902(a)
The governing body of a municipality may, by ordinance, establish rent control if: (1) the governing body finds that a housing emergency exists due to a disaster as defined by Section 418.004, Government Code; and (2) the governor approves the ordinance.
Just Cause Eviction
Brownsville has no just-cause eviction ordinance. Texas Property Code Chapter 24 controls: after a lease ends or rent goes unpaid, the landlord serves a written notice to vacate — three days unless the lease says otherwise — then files in justice court.
No just-cause rule; three-day notice governs
Few RestrictionsTex. Prop. Code § 24.005(a)
If the occupant is a tenant under a written lease or oral rental agreement, the landlord must give a tenant who defaults or holds over beyond the end of the rental term or renewal period at least three days' written notice to vacate the premises before the landlord files a forcible detainer suit
Rental Registration
Brownsville does not register, license, or routinely inspect long-term rental housing. The only rental registry in the code covers short-term rentals under Chapter 94, Article IV-A. Habitability complaints run through the substandard-building process in Chapter 18, Article V.
No rental registry; substandard-building process fills the gap
Few RestrictionsBrownsville, Tex., Code of Ordinances § 18-186
Upon the effective date of this order as set out therein, such person shall be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $1,000.00 per day for violation of this Code.
Looking for Cameron County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Brownsville city rules.
Rental Property Rules in Cameron County →