Texas Limits Local Rental Registration Programs

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.