Key Facts Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources

Dallas, TX Rental Property Rules: Just Cause Eviction (2026)

Few Restrictions

Just cause eviction rules in Dallas, TX — sometimes called tenant protection or "for cause" eviction ordinances — list the specific legal reasons a landlord can end a tenancy.

Verified 2 weeks ago|Source: Tex. Prop. Code § 91.001 — Notice for Terminating Certain Tenancies →

Recently verified

Key Facts

Local Ordinance: None — state law governs
Month-to-Month Termination: 30-day notice, no cause required (§ 91.001)
Notice to Vacate: 3 days minimum, Tex. Prop. Code § 24.005

Summary

Dallas has NO active local just-cause eviction ordinance. A temporary right-to-cure measure was preempted when Tex. HB 2127 took effect in 2023. Texas is a no-cause termination state under Tex. Prop. Code § 91.001 — a month-to-month tenancy may be ended by either party on 30 days' written notice without stating a reason.

Full Breakdown

Texas state law does not require a landlord to articulate just cause to end a month-to-month tenancy. Tex. Prop. Code § 91.001 says either party may terminate on notice and the tenancy ends on the later of the day in the notice or one month after notice. For fixed-term leases the landlord must wait until expiration unless the tenant breaches, then issue a three-day notice to vacate under Tex. Prop. Code § 24.005 (or the longer period specified in the lease) before suing for forcible detainer in justice court. Tex. Prop. Code § 92.331 prohibits a retaliatory eviction filing within six months of a tenant exercising a protected right such as a repair request, code complaint, or participation in a tenant organization (limited exceptions in § 92.332).

Violations & Fines

There is no Dallas city forum for enforcing just-cause grounds. A tenant may raise retaliation as an affirmative defense in the justice-court forcible-detainer suit and may sue under Tex. Prop. Code § 92.333 for one month's rent plus $500, actual damages, court costs, and attorney fees. Wrongful lockouts trigger one month's rent plus $1,000 under § 92.0081.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Dallas require just cause to evict?

No. A temporary Dallas right-to-cure measure was effectively preempted when Tex. HB 2127 took effect, and Texas state law does not require a landlord to state any reason to end a month-to-month tenancy under Tex. Prop. Code § 91.001.

How much notice must a Dallas landlord give to end a month-to-month tenancy?

One month under Tex. Prop. Code § 91.001. The tenancy ends on the later of the date stated in the notice or one month after notice is given, unless the lease provides a different period that both parties signed.

What if my Dallas landlord evicts me right after a repair complaint?

Tex. Prop. Code § 92.331 prohibits a retaliatory eviction within six months after a tenant exercises a protected right such as requesting repairs or filing a code complaint. The tenant may raise it as a defense and recover one month's rent plus $500 plus actual damages and attorney fees under § 92.333.

How does Dallas compare?

See how Dallas's just cause eviction rules stack up against other locations.

Quick Compare

vsMesquite vsDeSoto vsRichardson vsCarrollton vsGrand Prairie vsIrving

Compare to Another Location View Texas Overview

Dallas, TX Rental Property Rules: Just Cause Eviction (2026)

Key Facts

Summary

Full Breakdown

Violations & Fines

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Official References

Related Dallas Ordinances

Holiday Decorations: Lawn Ornament Rules

Holiday Decorations: Inflatable Display Rules

Holiday Decorations: Holiday Light Rules

Outdoor Cooking: Outdoor Kitchen Permits

Outdoor Cooking: Smoker Rules

Outdoor Cooking: BBQ & Propane Rules

Compare Dallas Just Cause Eviction with Nearby Cities

More Rental Property Rules in Dallas

Just Cause Eviction in Nearby Cities

Just Cause Eviction in Other Cities

How does Dallas compare?

See something wrong?