Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownFAQSourcesMore in Harris County

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

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Just cause eviction rules in Harris County, 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 in Texas
Notice Period
Typically 30 days (month-to-month)
Notice to Vacate
3 days before filing eviction
Court
Justice of the Peace

Summary

Texas has no just-cause eviction protections. Harris County landlords can terminate month-to-month leases with proper notice without stating a reason. Evictions follow Texas Property Code Chapter 24 procedures through Justice of the Peace courts.

City-specific rules exist: Baytown, La Porte, Humble, Houston, and Pasadena have their own just cause eviction rules that differ from Harris County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

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.

Source: TX Property Code Ch. 24 (Eviction)View official code

Full Breakdown

Texas does not have just-cause eviction laws at the state or local level. Harris County landlords may terminate month-to-month tenancies with proper notice (typically 30 days unless the lease specifies otherwise) without providing a reason. Fixed-term leases cannot be terminated early without cause (non-payment, lease violations). Eviction proceedings follow Texas Property Code Chapter 24, requiring a 3-day notice to vacate before filing suit in Justice of the Peace court. Harris County has no tenant protection ordinances beyond state law. Self-help evictions (changing locks, removing belongings) are illegal under Texas law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a landlord evict without reason in Harris County?
For month-to-month leases, yes. Landlords can terminate with proper notice without stating a reason. Fixed-term leases require cause such as non-payment or lease violations.
How does the eviction process work?
The landlord must give a 3-day written notice to vacate, then file an eviction suit in Justice of the Peace court. The tenant has the right to appear and contest the eviction.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Harris County

No-Fault EvictionsFew RestrictionsSource-of-Income DiscriminationFew RestrictionsSecurity Deposit RulesLight RestrictionsRental RegistrationFew RestrictionsRent ControlFew RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: MicrochippingSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Smoke DetectorsSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree TrimmingSome RestrictionsHoliday Decorations: Lawn Ornament RulesSome RestrictionsSign Regulations: Window SignsLight Restrictions

All Harris County rules

Texas rules heatmap·Compare Harris County to another location·View the Texas rental property rules overview

Get notified when Just Cause Eviction in Harris County, TX changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Just Cause Eviction in Cities Across Harris County

Houston, TXPasadena, TXBaytown, TXLa Porte, TXDeer Park, TXBellaire, TXHumble, TXTomball, TX