General Texas rules to know
No statewide deposit cap
Texas law does not set a maximum security deposit, so the amount is whatever the lease says.
Deposit return
The landlord must refund the deposit, minus any deductions with a written itemized list, within 30 days after you surrender the unit (Property Code §92.103). Give your forwarding address in writing: the landlord does not have to refund or itemize until you do.
Late fees
A late fee generally cannot be charged until rent has stayed unpaid for two full days after the due date, and it must be reasonable. The law sets safe-harbor amounts based on the size of the property.
Repairs
Landlords must make a diligent effort to repair conditions that materially affect health or safety after the tenant gives notice and is current on rent. Notice requirements are strict, so read the repair section closely.
No rent control
Texas generally bars cities from adopting rent control, so increases are limited mainly by your lease terms and the notice it requires.
Clauses worth reading twice in any lease
Rent, due date and late fees
Check the exact due date, any grace period, how late fees are calculated and whether they repeat daily. Many states limit late fees or require them to be reasonable.
Security deposit
Look for the amount, where it is held, what can be deducted and when it comes back. States set their own caps and return deadlines.
Lease length, renewal and ending early
Watch for automatic renewal, the notice you must give to leave, and early termination or "lease break" fees.
Repairs and maintenance
See who handles which repairs and how to request them. Clauses that push all repairs onto the tenant deserve a closer look.
Landlord entry
Check how much notice the landlord gives before entering and for what reasons.
Utilities, fees and extras
Note which utilities you pay and any added fees: parking, pets, amenities, trash, admin or "convenience" fees.
Subletting, guests and roommates
See whether you can sublet or add a roommate, guest limits, and whether roommates are jointly liable for the full rent.
Rules you might break by accident
Pet rules, smoking, alterations, satellite dishes, short-term rentals. Breaking a lease rule can be grounds for ending the tenancy.
How Contract Checked helps
Upload your document and get a plain-English report: risk ratings on specific clauses, protections that are missing, and the questions to ask before you sign. Then ask follow-up questions about your own document. You see the credit cost before anything runs.
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Frequently asked questions
My lease renews automatically. Is that normal?
It is common in Texas leases to convert to month-to-month or renew unless you give notice by a set date. Note the deadline and how notice must be given.
Is this legal advice?
No. Contract Checked gives general information and an AI reading of your document. It does not create an attorney-client relationship. For a dispute, an eviction or a large amount of money, talk to a licensed attorney or a local tenant organization.
Can I upload a photo of a paper lease?
Yes. Upload a PDF, a Word file, pasted text or a photo. Photos are read with OCR before the analysis.
What happens to my lease after I upload it?
Your documents are stored in your account so you can reopen the report and ask follow-up questions. You can delete them from your dashboard anytime. See the privacy policy for details.