Baytown, TX Rental Property Rules: Just Cause Eviction (2026)
Just cause eviction rules in Baytown, TX, sometimes called tenant protection or "for cause" eviction ordinances, list the specific legal reasons a landlord can end a tenancy.
Key Facts
- Just-Cause Required
- No, not required in Texas
- Month-to-Month Notice
- One rental period (typically 30 days)
- Nonpayment Notice
- 3 days to vacate
- Eviction Court
- Harris County Justice Court
- Baytown PD
- (281) 422-8371
Summary
Baytown does not have a just-cause eviction ordinance. All evictions follow Texas Property Code Chapter 24 and Chapter 92. Landlords may terminate month-to-month tenancies with written notice before the next rental period. Fixed-term leases end at expiration with no obligation to renew. Only a Justice Court order can legally remove a tenant.
Sec. 24.005. NOTICE REQUIRED BEFORE FILING CERTAIN EVICTION SUITS. (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, unless the parties have contracted for a shorter or longer notice period in a written lease or agreement. [...] A landlord who files a forcible detainer suit on grounds that the tenant is holding over beyond the end of the rental term or renewal period must also comply with the tenancy termination requirements of Section 91.001.
Full Breakdown
Baytown has no local just-cause eviction ordinance. All evictions are governed by Texas Property Code Chapter 24 (Forcible Entry and Detainer) and Chapter 92 (Residential Tenancies). For month-to-month tenancies, either party may terminate with written notice given at least one rental period before the date of termination. For most monthly leases this means 30 days notice. No reason is required. For fixed-term leases, the tenancy ends at lease expiration with no obligation to renew. For nonpayment of rent, landlords must give a 3-day written notice to vacate unless the lease provides a different period. For lease violations, notice requirements depend on the lease terms. All eviction lawsuits are filed in the Harris County Justice Court. Self-help evictions are prohibited under Texas Property Code Section 92.0081: landlords may not change locks, remove doors, interrupt utilities, or seize personal property to force a tenant out. Tenants may file a complaint about unlawful lockouts with the Baytown Police Department at (281) 422-8371.
Violations & Fines
Self-help evictions are illegal under Texas Property Code Section 92.0081. A landlord who changes locks, removes doors, interrupts utilities, or removes a tenant's property without a court order is liable for actual damages, one month's rent plus $1,000, reasonable attorney fees, and court costs. Only a Justice Court writ of possession can legally remove a tenant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Baytown require a reason to evict a tenant?
How much notice is required to evict for nonpayment?
Can a landlord change the locks to force a tenant out?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Baytown
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Baytown 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.
Just Cause Eviction in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Harris County handle just cause eviction.