Amarillo, TX Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)
Key Facts
- Notice-to-cure period
- 10 calendar days from notice
- Provisional permit fee
- $410.00; work due in 60 days
- Appeals body
- Condemnation Appeals Commission
- Court appeal deadline
- 30 days, Local Gov't Code § 214.0012
- Lien interest rate
- 10% per annum on unpaid abatement costs
- Enforcement radius
- City limits plus 5,000 feet beyond
Summary
Amarillo declares any structure unfit for human habitation, structurally unsafe, without adequate egress, or an unsecured fire hazard to be a 'Dangerous Structure' and public nuisance under Section 4-3-3. The Building Official can order repairs within 10 days, issue a $410 provisional permit for a 60-day fix, or send the case to the Condemnation Appeals Commission for removal.
Good Repair. Means (1) that a premises is safe and habitable for its ordinary intended use; or, (2) that materials, equipment, and systems used in, on or under any structure are sound, stable, and performing the function for which intended without substantial defect that is detrimental to normal or intended operation or functionality... (2)Declaration. All Structures are hereby declared to be Dangerous Structures which are:(a)Structurally unsafe; or(b)Not provided with adequate egress; or(c)Which constitute a fire hazard; or(d)Are otherwise unfit for human habitation and are dangerous to human life, or which by way of existing use constitute a hazard to safety or health or public welfare, by reason of inadequate maintenance, or dilapidation, or obsolescence, or fire hazard, or abandonment; or(e)Regardless of its structural condition, unoccupied by its owners, lessees, or other invitees and is unsecured from unauthorized entry to the extent that it could be entered or used by vagrants or other uninvited persons as a place of harborage or by children, animals, or vermin;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 81).
Full Breakdown
Section 4-3-3 of the Amarillo Municipal Code defines 'Good Repair' as a premises that is safe and habitable for its ordinary intended use, and declares a structure Dangerous if it is structurally unsafe, lacks adequate egress, constitutes a fire hazard, is otherwise unfit for human habitation, or sits unoccupied and unsecured against vagrants, children, or animals. Every Dangerous Structure is a declared public nuisance enforceable inside city limits and up to 5,000 feet beyond them. Once the Building Official finds a violation, Interested Persons, meaning owners, tenants, occupants, or lienholders, get written notice describing the defects and have ten calendar days to secure and repair the structure or vacate it.
00 and authorizes either removal of the structure or a repair plan substantially completed within 60 days; the Building Official re-inspects after the 60th day to confirm substantial completion. Failure to comply lets the Building Official post a 'DO NOT ENTER, UNSAFE TO OCCUPY' notice, refer the matter to the Condemnation Appeals Commission for a public hearing with at least 10 days' notice published once in a newspaper of general circulation, and ultimately order removal 10 days after that decision. 0012.
Violations & Fines
Failing to abate a Dangerous Structure after the initial notice is a criminal offense under Section 1-1-5, though the Building Official must delay filing charges until there is probable cause the owner will not comply. The City can also enter and remove the structure itself, then bill the owner for actual abatement costs plus an administrative charge, secured by a lien at 10 percent annual interest, second only to tax liens, filed with the county clerk and recoverable through a City Attorney lawsuit if unpaid after 30 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a structure 'dangerous' under Amarillo's code?
How much time do I get to fix a dangerous structure notice?
What happens if I ignore the notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Amarillo
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Amarillo to another location·View the Texas rental property rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.