Baytown, TX Rental Property Rules: Rent Control (2026)

Texas Government Code Section 214.902 prohibits municipalities from adopting rent control ordinances. Baytown does not have and cannot enact local rent control, rent stabilization, or rent cap regulations. Landlords may increase rent by any amount when a lease term expires and a new lease is offered. For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must provide written notice before the next rental period begins — typically 30 days under Texas Property Code. There is no state or local cap on the amount of any increase. Fixed-term leases lock in the rent amount for the lease duration; increases cannot occur mid-lease unless the lease specifically provides for them. Texas does not have a statewide rent assistance program, though the Harris County Community Services Department may offer emergency rental assistance programs from time to time. Tenants who believe a rent increase is retaliatory for exercising legal rights may have protections under Texas Property Code Section 92.331. Contact the Baytown Housing Authority at (281) 427-6523 for affordable housing resources.