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

Texas law does not require landlords to have good cause or just cause to end a tenancy at the expiration of a lease term. Under Texas Property Code Chapter 91, a month-to-month tenancy may be terminated by either party with notice equal to one rental period (typically 30 days). When a fixed-term lease expires, the landlord has no obligation to renew and may choose not to renew for any lawful reason, including no reason at all. Texas does not have anti-retaliation protections as broad as some states, though Property Code Section 92.331 does prohibit retaliatory eviction within six months of a tenant making a repair request or exercising a legal right. During an active lease term, a landlord must follow the eviction process through Justice Court — typically filing a forcible detainer action after proper notice to vacate (usually three days unless the lease specifies otherwise). Denton County Justice of the Peace courts handle eviction proceedings. The state preemption framework under LGC 214.902, while specifically addressing rent control, reflects the Texas Legislatures intent to prevent local regulation of the landlord-tenant relationship beyond state law.