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

There is no rent control in Bexar County and Texas state law preempts local jurisdictions from enacting any. Texas Local Government Code 214.902 prohibits cities, counties, and special districts from adopting ordinances controlling rents except in declared housing emergencies approved by the governor, a threshold that has not been triggered in modern practice. This means landlords in unincorporated Bexar County and across San Antonio, Converse, Live Oak, Universal City, and every other Bexar municipality may charge whatever rent the market supports. At lease renewal, landlords can increase rent by any amount with proper written notice, typically 30 days before the lease ends, unless the lease specifies a different notice period. Mid-lease rent increases are prohibited unless the lease includes an escalation clause. Federally subsidized housing (HUD Section 8, LIHTC, public housing) follows its own rent rules under federal regulations. Tenants facing rent increases can negotiate, search for alternatives, or seek rental assistance through Bexar County Housing Resources, but cannot invoke rent control protections.