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Harris County, TX Rental Property Rules: Rent Control (2026)

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

Rent control rules in Harris County, TX, also known as rent stabilization or rent cap ordinances, limit annual rent increases and protect tenants from displacement.

Key Facts

Rent Control
Prohibited by state law
State Law
TX Property Code §214.902
Rent Increases
No limits: market rate
County Authority
None to regulate rents

Summary

Rent control is prohibited statewide in Texas under Texas Property Code Chapter 214. Harris County cannot impose rent control on any rental properties in unincorporated areas. Landlords set rents at market rates with no limits on increases.

City-specific rules exist: Pasadena, Baytown, La Porte, Bellaire, and Humble have their own rent control 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. 214.902. RENT CONTROL. (a) The governing body of a municipality may, by ordinance, establish rent control if: (1) the governing body finds that a housing emergency exists due to a disaster as defined by Section 418.004, Government Code; and (2) the governor approves the ordinance. (b) The governing body shall continue or discontinue rent control in the same manner that the governor continues or discontinues a state of disaster under Section 418.014, Government Code.

Source: TX Property Code Ch. 214 (Rent Control Prohibition)View official code

Full Breakdown

Texas Property Code §214.902 prohibits any municipality or county from adopting rent control ordinances. This statewide preemption means Harris County has no authority to regulate rent amounts, limit rent increases, or impose rent stabilization in unincorporated areas. Landlords are free to set and increase rents at any time, subject only to the terms of existing lease agreements. Month-to-month tenancies can be adjusted with proper notice as specified in the lease or under Texas Property Code default provisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Harris County have rent control?
No. Texas law prohibits all forms of rent control statewide. Harris County cannot limit rent amounts or increases.
How much notice is required for a rent increase?
For month-to-month leases, Texas law requires 30 days notice unless the lease specifies otherwise. For fixed-term leases, rent cannot increase until the lease renews.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Harris County

No-Fault EvictionsFew RestrictionsSource-of-Income DiscriminationFew RestrictionsSecurity Deposit RulesLight RestrictionsRental RegistrationFew RestrictionsJust Cause EvictionFew 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

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Rent Control in Cities Across Harris County

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