Richmond, TX Rental Property Rules: Rental Registration (2026)
Key Facts
- Effective Date
- January 1, 2023
- Code Section
- Chapter 18, Article X
- Covers
- Single and multifamily rentals
- Administered By
- Building Department
Summary
Richmond's Chapter 18 Article X requires owners of single-family and multifamily rental properties to register units with the city and meet inspection and safety standards.
Sec. 92.0081. REMOVAL OF PROPERTY AND EXCLUSION OF RESIDENTIAL TENANT. (a) A landlord may not remove a door, window, or attic hatchway cover or a lock, latch, hinge, hinge pin, doorknob, or other mechanism connected to a door, window, or attic hatchway cover from premises leased to a tenant or remove furniture, fixtures, or appliances furnished by the landlord from premises leased to a tenant unless the landlord removes the item for a bona fide repair or replacement. If a landlord removes any of the items listed in this subsection for a bona fide repair or replacement, the repair or replacement must be promptly performed.(b) A landlord may not intentionally prevent a tenant from entering the leased premises except by judicial process unless the exclusion results fr
Full Breakdown
Effective January 1, 2023, Richmond City Commission adopted Chapter 18 Article X of the Code of Ordinances, requiring all residential rental properties, including non-owner-occupied single-family homes, duplexes, and multifamily buildings, to be registered with the city. Owners must submit registration applications, designate a local responsible party, and allow periodic inspections to verify compliance with minimum housing, building, and life-safety standards. Registration must be renewed on a recurring basis, and the city may suspend or revoke a registration for unaddressed code violations. The program is administered through the Richmond Building Department.
Violations & Fines
Operating an unregistered rental can result in citations, daily fines, and denial of certificates of occupancy until violations are cured.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to register a single rental house in Richmond?
What happens if I rent without registering?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Richmond
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Rental Registration in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Fort Bend County handle rental registration.