Katy vs Richmond
How do rental registration rules compare between Katy, TX and Richmond, TX?
Katy and Richmond have similar restriction levels.
Katy, TX
Fort Bend County
Texas Local Government Code 214.902 caps rental registration and inspection programs, and Property Code Chapter 92 sets statewide landlord-tenant disclosure and habitability rules. Texas cities may register rental units only within state limits, and tenant protections apply universally.
View full Katy rules →Richmond, TX
Fort Bend County
Richmond's Chapter 18 Article X requires owners of single-family and multifamily rental properties to register units with the city and meet inspection and safety standards.
View full Richmond rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Katy | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Fee cap | $20 per unit annually | - |
| Statute | Local Gov't Code 214.902 | - |
| Tenant rights | Property Code Chapter 92 | - |
| Deposit return | 30 days after move-out | - |
| Smoke alarms | Mandatory statewide | - |
| Effective Date | - | January 1, 2023 |
| Code Section | - | Chapter 18, Article X |
| Covers | - | Single and multifamily rentals |
| Administered By | - | Building Department |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Katy FAQ
Can a Texas city require landlords to register every rental unit?
Yes, but only consistent with Local Government Code 214.902, which limits registration fees to $20 per unit per year and prohibits using registration to deny renewal of existing tenancies through a certificate of occupancy requirement.
How long does my Texas landlord have to return the security deposit?
Property Code 92.103 requires return of the security deposit within 30 days after the tenant surrenders the premises and provides a forwarding address. Wrongful withholding can trigger treble damages plus $100 and attorney's fees.
Are smoke alarms required in all Texas rentals?
Yes. Property Code 92.251-92.260 require landlords to install and maintain smoke alarms in every rental unit statewide. Tenants cannot waive this protection, and noncompliance is a per-day violation.
Richmond FAQ
Do I need to register a single rental house in Richmond?
Yes. Article X applies to non-owner-occupied single-family rentals as well as multifamily properties; each must be registered with the Richmond Building Department.
What happens if I rent without registering?
The city can issue citations and accumulating daily fines and may withhold certificates of occupancy until the property is registered and inspected.
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