What makes a valid lease or rental agreement in Texas?

The term “rental agreement” is just another name for a lease. Creating a valid lease or rental agreement is not as simple as setting the terms according to the landlord’s wishes. More than anything, a good lease or rental agreement is one that is able to protect the interest of the landlord should the tenant-landlord relationship go awry.

What happens when a tenant breaks their lease in Texas?

Texas state law does require landlords to take reasonable steps to rerent their unit when a tenant breaks their lease. This is referred to as the landlord’s duty to “mitigate damages”.

Can a landlord terminate a lease early in Texas?

Since state landlord-tenant laws vary, the following reasons may legally permit a tenant to terminate their tenancy early in other states but are not applicable in Texas: Violation of the lease agreement.

When do you need a copy of a lease in Texas?

A lease is essentially a contract between a landlord and a tenant. As with any contract, both parties have the right to negotiate the terms before entering into it. If the lease is in writing, Texas law requires a landlord to provide the tenant with a copy of the lease within 3 business days of signing. Be sure to save a copy of the lease!

What do you need to know about rental agreements in Texas?

The Texas residential lease agreement (“rental agreement”) is a written contract outlining the terms and conditions of renting a property for both the landlord and tenant. Once endorsed by the landlord and tenant, the tenant will make periodic payments (“rent”) in exchange for use of the property. Create an official Texas standard…

What is a month to month lease agreement in Texas?

It is not… The Texas month-to-month lease agreement, often referred to as a “Tenancy at Will,” allows an individual to rent residential property without a specific end-date. In other words, the rental arrangement between the landlord and tenant will remain in perpetuity until either the lessor or lessee sends notice to terminate the agreement.

What happens if you change your lease in Texas?

Changes to a lease might include increases in rent and new procedures that might cause a tenant to incur additional fees, such as being required to pay rent online. The Texas Tenant Advisor provides information about when a residential lease can be terminated or changed.

How does a sublease agreement work in Texas?

The Texas sublease agreement is a binding contract wherein an existing tenant (“sublessor”) can rent (“sublease”) all or part of a rental property to a new tenant (“subtenant”). The subtenant is responsible for making regular payments that may or may not be equivalent to the rent due to the initial lease.

What is the definition of lease in Texas?

Section 92.001 of the Texas Property Code defines a lease as “any written or oral agreement between a landlord and tenant that establishes or modifies the terms, conditions, rules, or other provisions regarding the use and occupancy of a dwelling.”

When to terminate or change a lease in Texas?

The Texas Tenant Advisor provides information about when a residential lease can be terminated or changed. Page 7 of this pamphlet from the State Bar of Texas and Texas Young Lawyers Association discusses how to approach changes to a lease in the middle or end of a lease term.

The term “rental agreement” is just another name for a lease. Creating a valid lease or rental agreement is not as simple as setting the terms according to the landlord’s wishes. More than anything, a good lease or rental agreement is one that is able to protect the interest of the landlord should the tenant-landlord relationship go awry.

Section 92.001 of the Texas Property Code defines a lease as “any written or oral agreement between a landlord and tenant that establishes or modifies the terms, conditions, rules, or other provisions regarding the use and occupancy of a dwelling.”

A lease is essentially a contract between a landlord and a tenant. As with any contract, both parties have the right to negotiate the terms before entering into it. If the lease is in writing, Texas law requires a landlord to provide the tenant with a copy of the lease within 3 business days of signing. Be sure to save a copy of the lease!

The Texas Tenant Advisor provides information about when a residential lease can be terminated or changed. Page 7 of this pamphlet from the State Bar of Texas and Texas Young Lawyers Association discusses how to approach changes to a lease in the middle or end of a lease term.