Texas Local Government Code 214.902 caps rental registration and inspection programs, and Property Code Chapter 92 sets statewide landlord-tenant disclosure and habitability rules. Texas cities may register rental units only within state limits, and tenant protections apply universally.
Local Government Code 214.902 allows municipalities to operate residential rental inspection programs but caps registration fees at $20 per unit per year, requires reasonable cause before interior inspection, and prohibits requiring a certificate of occupancy for renewing or continuing an existing residential rental tenancy. Property Code Chapter 92 imposes statewide landlord duties including written notice of rent changes, security deposit accounting (92.103-92.109, returned within 30 days of move-out), repair and remedy procedures (92.052-92.062), smoke alarm installation (92.251-92.260), and disclosure of ownership and management. These tenant rights cannot be waived by lease or weakened by local ordinance.
Local rental fees above $20 per unit, mandatory entry without cause, or denial of occupancy renewal violate state law. Landlord violations of Chapter 92 (deposit, repair, smoke alarm) trigger statutory damages and attorney's fees.
See how other cities in Fort Bend County handle rental registration.
See how Katy's rental registration rules stack up against other locations.
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