If you're on this site, you're probably considering renting out an investment property in Houston. Whether you're a first-time landlord looking to gather as much information as possible or a seasoned pro looking to brush up on your knowledge, following a variety of rules and regulations is essential to comply with local laws. In this article, we'll delve into the key aspects you need to know to rent out your property in Houston with peace of mind.
Here are five important things to know before renting a property in Houston.
Texas Real Estate Law: Texas Real Estate Law contains various statutes that govern the relationship between landlords and tenants in the state. The law covers areas such as security deposits, eviction procedures, tenant rights, occupancy standards, and termination of leases. Familiarize yourself with the relevant sections of the law to ensure you comply with the law and protect your rights as a landlord.
Fair Housing Act: The Fair Housing Act is a federal law that prohibits housing discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability. It is important to comply with the Fair Housing Act during the tenant selection process and throughout the rental period to avoid potential legal issues and discrimination lawsuits.
Security Deposit Laws: Texas has special regulations regarding security deposits. Landlords must provide tenants with a written notice of their security deposit rights, including details of how and when the deposit must be returned. The law dictates when the deposit must be returned and the amounts that can be deducted, such as unpaid rent and damages beyond normal wear and tear.
Landlord's Duty to Make Repairs: Under Texas law, landlords have a duty to maintain their property in a habitable condition. This means making sure basic utilities like plumbing, heating, and electricity are in good working order. Landlords must respond to repair requests in a timely manner to keep the property habitable for its tenants.
Eviction Procedures: In the unfortunate event that you must evict a tenant, it is important to follow the proper legal procedures set forth in the Texas Real Estate Law. This includes providing written notice to the tenant, filing an eviction lawsuit if necessary, and obtaining a court order for possession of the property. We recommend consulting with an attorney to ensure you follow all legal requirements during the eviction process.
We hope this overview has given you more confidence in your decision to rent a property in Houston. These requirements are always subject to change, so we recommend always checking your local ordinances to ensure you are in compliance.
At Nomad, we're experts when it comes to pricing your property, finding vetted tenants, and guaranteeing rent for the life of the lease you sign with your tenant. If you'd like to learn more about these services and why over 6,000 owners prefer to do business with us, get started by requesting a free guaranteed rent quote.