<\/span><\/h2>\nIn Texas, tenants have several rights that are protected by law:<\/strong><\/p>\n1. Right to habitable premises:<\/strong> Landlords must provide safe and habitable living conditions, including proper maintenance, weatherproofing, and essential services such as water, heat, and electricity.<\/p>\n2. Right to privacy:<\/strong> Landlords must respect a tenant’s right to privacy and may not enter the rental premises without proper notice, except in specific emergencies.<\/p>\n3. Right to protection against retaliation:<\/strong> Landlords are prohibited from retaliating against tenants who exercise their legal rights, such as complaining about unsafe living conditions or joining a tenant’s association.<\/p>\n4. Right to proper notice before eviction:<\/strong> Landlords must provide written notice before initiating eviction proceedings, allowing tenants time to address any issues or find alternative housing.<\/p>\n5. Right to security deposit protection:<\/strong> Landlords must place security deposits in a separate, interest-bearing account and provide a written description of any deductions made upon lease termination.<\/p>\n6. Right to recourse for wrongful eviction:<\/strong> If a landlord attempts to evict a tenant without proper legal grounds, tenants have the right to challenge the eviction in court.<\/p>\n7. Right to repairs:<\/strong> Tenants have the right to request repairs for essential amenities and safety hazards. If the landlord fails to make necessary repairs within a reasonable time, tenants may be able to withhold rent or terminate the lease.<\/p>\n8. Right to fair housing:<\/strong> Landlords are prohibited from discriminating against tenants based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, or familial status.<\/p>\n9. Right to relocation assistance:<\/strong> In some cases, such as when a property is being converted or demolished, tenants may be entitled to relocation assistance to help with the cost of finding new housing.<\/p>\n10. Right to written lease agreements:<\/strong> Landlords must provide tenants with a written lease agreement that outlines the terms and conditions of the tenancy.<\/p>\n11. Right to reasonable notice of rent increases:<\/strong> Landlords must provide written notice of rent increases before the expiration of the current lease term or the 30th day before the increase takes effect.<\/p>\n12. Right to a refund of an overcharged rent:<\/strong> If a landlord charges excessive rent, tenants have the right to receive a refund of the overpaid amount.<\/p>\n