Austin, Texas · City renter rules · Updated Oct 2026
Austin Tenant Rights: City Rules, Evictions (2026)
What is different for renters in Austin compared with Texas state law: relocation payments, eviction protections and repairs. In plain English from official city sources.
Short answer
Austin has no rent control or just-cause eviction rule — Texas law bans rent control and controls eviction procedure, so most of your rights come from state law. The city adds a few things: landlords who demolish or redevelop a building of five or more units (or a mobile home park) must give tenants advance notice and information on relocation help, problem properties with repeated code violations must register and be inspected every year, and the city funds free eviction counseling and legal help for low-income renters.
- Rent control
- No city rent cap
- Just cause for eviction
- No city rule
- Relocation payments
- In some cases
Rent control in Austin
Austin has no rent control of its own. Texas law: No statewide rent control. Cities may adopt rent control only in a declared disaster housing emergency with the governor's approval. Tex. Local Gov't Code § 214.902.
Just cause for eviction in Austin
Austin has no just-cause eviction rule of its own; Texas law decides when a landlord can end a tenancy. Eviction rules in Texas
Relocation payments in Austin
- The rule
- If the owner of your multifamily building (5+ occupied units) applies for a permit to demolish it, or your mobile home park is to be rezoned or redeveloped, the owner must give you a written tenant notification packet when applying. The building cannot be demolished until 120 days (4 months) after the notice; a mobile home park cannot be rezoned or redeveloped until 270 days (9 months) after the notice. This notice does not end your lease — your lease still decides your move-out date, and the owner must give a separate written notice before requiring you to move. Keep paying rent. The City's Tenant Relocation Assistance Program can help low-income, elderly and disabled households who are displaced. Questions: [email protected].
Security deposits in Austin
Austin adds no deposit rules of its own; Texas law applies. Security deposit law in Texas
Repairs and complaints in Austin
Report unsafe conditions (no hot water, heat or electricity, electrical hazards, infestations, etc.) to Austin Code by calling 3-1-1 (512-974-2000). Rental properties (not owner-occupied) that, within 24 months, get two or more uncorrected notices of violation for dangerous or habitability conditions, five or more such notices on separate days, or two or more citations must join the Repeat Offender Program: they register with the city, post signs in English and Spanish on how to report problems, and get inspected every year for at least two years. You can look up properties on the city's Repeat Offender map. State law sets repair-request rules and remedies.
Eviction protections in Austin
The City of Austin funds Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (including the Austin Tenants Council project) to provide emergency eviction counseling, representation and prevention for low-income renters. If you live in a City-funded affordable (RHDA) property, you have extra rights, including a chance to fix most lease violations before termination and the right to organize a tenant association. Eviction procedure itself is set by Texas law.
Other Austin rules
- Austin's Fair Housing Ordinance adds protection for sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, student status and age; complaints go to the Civil Rights Office, 512-974-3251.
- Limited city rent and Austin Energy utility help: Austin Public Health Rent & Utility line, 512-972-5780. The I Belong in Austin emergency rental assistance portal closed after March 2026.
Texas law that also applies
City rules add to state law. Where they differ, the stronger protection usually applies; if you are unsure, ask the city agency below.
- Deposit limit
- No statewide limit
- Deposit back within
- 30 days
- Notice for unpaid rent
- 3 days
- Notice before entry
- No statute
- Rent increase notice
- No statute sets a notice period for rent increases.
Where to get help in Austin
Free tools
These tools use Texas state law. Austin's rules above may give you more time or more money.
Deposit calculator
Check Texas's deadline to return your deposit.
Eviction notice timeline
See the dates under Texas law.
Repair request letter for Texas
Ask your landlord in writing to fix the problem by a date. A written, dated request is the first step in almost every state, and it is proof that the landlord knew. Check the problems, add dates, then download the letter as PDF or Word (or copy it). Sign it, keep a copy and photos, and send it in a way you can prove.
Questions about renting in Austin
Is there rent control in Austin?
Austin has no rent control of its own. Texas law: No statewide rent control. Cities may adopt rent control only in a declared disaster housing emergency with the governor's approval. Tex. Local Gov't Code § 214.902.
What eviction protections does Austin have?
The City of Austin funds Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (including the Austin Tenants Council project) to provide emergency eviction counseling, representation and prevention for low-income renters. If you live in a City-funded affordable (RHDA) property, you have extra rights, including a chance to fix most lease violations before termination and the right to organize a tenant association. Eviction procedure itself is set by Texas law.
Do I get relocation money if I have to move out in Austin?
If the owner of your multifamily building (5+ occupied units) applies for a permit to demolish it, or your mobile home park is to be rezoned or redeveloped, the owner must give you a written tenant notification packet when applying. The building cannot be demolished until 120 days (4 months) after the notice; a mobile home park cannot be rezoned or redeveloped until 270 days (9 months) after the notice. This notice does not end your lease — your lease still decides your move-out date, and the owner must give a separate written notice before requiring you to move. Keep paying rent. The City's Tenant Relocation Assistance Program can help low-income, elderly and disabled households who are displaced. Questions: [email protected].
How do I report repair problems in Austin?
Report unsafe conditions (no hot water, heat or electricity, electrical hazards, infestations, etc.) to Austin Code by calling 3-1-1 (512-974-2000). Rental properties (not owner-occupied) that, within 24 months, get two or more uncorrected notices of violation for dangerous or habitability conditions, five or more such notices on separate days, or two or more citations must join the Repeat Offender Program: they register with the city, post signs in English and Spanish on how to report problems, and get inspected every year for at least two years. You can look up properties on the city's Repeat Offender map. State law sets repair-request rules and remedies.
- Austin Housing — Tenant Notification and Relocation Ordinance
- Austin Development Services — Repeat Offender Program
- Austin Housing — Renter Resources
- Austin Housing — Tenant Stabilization and Renter Rights
- City of Austin — Tenant Notification Packet, Multifamily (120 days)
- City of Austin — Tenant Notification Packet, Mobile Home Park (270 days)
Last checked: Oct 2026.