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Wichita Falls, TX Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Governing article
Ch. 22, Art. VIII, § 22-601 et seq.
Trigger standard
Unfit for human habitation
Enforcement body
Building Commission (city council)
Compliance window
30 days before city demolition
Max fine
$2,000 per day (§ 1-14)

Summary

Wichita Falls code lets the city order any dwelling that is dilapidated, unsanitary, or lacks essential amenities vacated, repaired, or demolished as a public nuisance.

Those which have become or are so dilapidated, decayed, unsafe, unsanitary or which utterly fail to provide amenities essential to decent living that they are unfit for human habitation or are likely to cause sickness or disease so as to cause injury to the health, morals, safety or general welfare of those living therein.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Wichita Falls doesn't run a standalone rental habitability code: it enforces minimum livability through Chapter 22's Dangerous Buildings or Structures article. A dwelling that is dilapidated, unsanitary, or missing amenities essential to decent living is legally "unfit for human habitation" and gets declared a public nuisance under § 22-602. The Building Commission (city council) can order the owner to repair, vacate, or demolish the structure; if nothing happens within 30 days, the city demolishes it and bills the owner. Tenants and landlords both face fines for ignoring a vacate order.

Violations & Fines

Fines up to $2,000 under § 1-14 for health/safety/sanitation violations, with each day of noncompliance a separate offense; the city can demolish and bill the owner if orders are ignored after 30 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Wichita Falls have a rental-specific habitability code?
No. It uses the citywide Dangerous Buildings article (§ 22-601 et seq.), which applies to any structure, including rentals, that becomes unfit for habitation.
What makes a rental unit 'unfit for human habitation' here?
Section 22-601(3) covers buildings so dilapidated, unsanitary, or lacking essential amenities that they're likely to cause sickness or injure occupants' health or safety.
What happens if a landlord ignores a repair or vacate order?
The owner is fined under § 1-14 (up to $2,000, each day a new offense), and after 30 days the city can demolish the structure and assess the cost against the property.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Wichita Falls

Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesLight RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome Restrictions

All Wichita Falls rules

Texas rules heatmap·Compare Wichita Falls to another location·View the Texas rental property rules overview

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