Legal Compliance
Texas landlord-tenant law is detailed and the penalties for getting it wrong are steep. We handle every legal requirement — from security deposit handling to eviction notices — so you stay compliant and protected. Our team stays current on Texas Property Code, Fair Housing, and federal regulations so you don't have to.
How We Handle Legal Compliance
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Security deposit management per Texas Property Code Chapter 92. Deposits are held in a dedicated trust account and returned within the required 30-day window with a written, itemized deduction statement.
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Fair Housing compliance on every listing, screening decision, and tenant communication. We apply the same criteria to every applicant and never consider protected classes — race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability.
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Eviction procedures following Texas Property Code Chapter 24. Proper 3-day notice to vacate, correct service methods, and documented timelines. We manage the process and recommend attorney involvement for contested cases.
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Lead-based paint disclosures for all properties built before 1978. EPA pamphlet provided, 10-day review period respected, and disclosure form signed before every lease.
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Required lease disclosures including flood history, sex offender registry notice, and all state-mandated addenda. We use the TXR-2001 lease form with applicable supplements.
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ESA and service animal compliance per FHA and HUD guidelines. Service and emotional support animals are not pets — no pet fees, no pet deposits, proper documentation procedures followed.
Why This Matters for Your Investment
A single compliance mistake can cost you far more than professional management ever will. Under Texas law, a landlord who fails to return a security deposit properly can owe the tenant 3x the withheld amount plus $100 plus attorney fees. A Fair Housing violation can mean federal investigation and five-figure penalties.
Self-managing landlords often don't know what they don't know. They charge non-refundable pet deposits (not allowed for ESAs), lock out tenants over late rent (illegal self-help eviction), or use screening criteria that inadvertently discriminate. Each of these creates liability.
We build compliance into every process. Every screening decision is documented with objective criteria. Every notice follows the correct legal format and delivery method. Every security deposit is tracked in a trust account with a clear paper trail.
Legal Compliance FAQ
How do you handle security deposits in Texas?
We hold all deposits in a trust account. After move-out, we return the deposit within the legally required 30 days. If deductions are taken, we provide a written, itemized description of each charge per Texas Property Code §92.104.
What happens if a tenant requests an emotional support animal?
ESAs and service animals are not pets under federal law. We do not charge pet fees or deposits for them. We request only documentation of the disability-related need from a qualified healthcare provider, as HUD guidelines require. We never ask about the nature of the disability.
Do you handle evictions?
We manage the eviction process from notice to filing, following Texas Property Code §24.005. For contested evictions, we always recommend the owner engage a licensed attorney. We document every step for court proceedings.
How do you stay current on law changes?
We monitor Texas Property Code updates, HUD guidance, and Fair Housing enforcement actions. Our processes are reviewed and updated whenever relevant laws change. We also maintain relationships with real estate attorneys who specialize in Texas landlord-tenant law.
Stay Compliant Without Becoming a Lawyer
We handle the legal details. You focus on your investment.
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