Property Maintenance in Harris County, TX (2026)

2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 7 cities in Harris County, Texas.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Harris County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Property Blight

Harris County orders owners to repair or demolish structurally unsafe buildings under its Neighborhood Nuisance Abatement Procedures, with the County Attorney able to assess abatement costs and file a lien against the property in unincorporated areas.

Harris County Dangerous Building Nuisance Abatement

Some Restrictions

Harris County Code of Ordinances, Ch. 11, Subchapter 11C, Sec 2

Public Nuisance is ... e. Maintaining a building in a manner that is structurally unsafe or constitutes a hazard to safety, health, or public welfare because of inadequate maintenance, unsanitary conditions, dilapidation, obsolescence, fire hazard, disaster, damage, or abandonment.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Vacant Lot Maintenance

Harris County enforces minimum property standards on vacant lots through the Community Services Department. Violations include excessive weeds, accumulated debris, junk vehicles, and unsanitary conditions. Properties receiving county community development funds must meet HUD minimum standards.

Property Maintenance: Vacant Lots

Some Restrictions

Texas Health and Safety Code Sec. 342.004, 342.005, 342.006 (Municipal Power Concerning Weeds; Vacant Lot Maintenance)

Sec. 342.004. MUNICIPAL POWER CONCERNING WEEDS OR CERTAIN PUBLIC NUISANCES. The governing body of a municipality may require the owner of real property in the municipality to keep the property free from weeds, brush, and a condition constituting a public nuisance as defined by Section 343.011(c)(1), (2), or (3). Sec. 342.005. VIOLATION OF ORDINANCE. The governing body of a municipality may puni...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗