An Austin lease agreement is a legally binding document allowing a tenant to rent a residential space from a landlord. This document defines the liveable space a tenant has permission to use, the length of the lease, both parties’ responsibilities, and other relevant details.
Austin Lease Requirements
Texas Property Code Title 8, Chapter 92 guides landlord-tenant relationships in Austin, but the city has some other municipal-specific laws to be aware of:
Tenant Notification and Relocation Ordinance
Landlords must issue at least 120 days’ written notice if the property owner applies for permission to renovate or demolish the residence. It applies to buildings with at least five residences (Austin Municipal Code Sec. 25-1-712).
Following this notice, landlords must distribute a relocation fee and assistance to eligible tenants. For example, one minimum eligibility requirement for relocation assistance is that the tenant must have a household income at or below 70% of the median family income (Austin Municipal Code Sec. 25-1-714).
Tenants’ Right to Organize
Austin city law states that tenants have a right to organize (Austin Municipal Code Sec. 4-14-124), and landlords can’t interfere with this right (Austin Municipal Code 4-14-125).
Optional Lease Disclosures and Addendums
Here are some optional lease disclosures and addendums a landlord can make:
- Pet disclosure: Austin is a great city for pet owners, as it’s one of the most welcoming to pets in the U.S. Landlords should include a pet disclosure to state the rules tenants must follow if they bring a pet to live at the residence.
- Asbestos disclosure: Older residences in Austin may have asbestos, so landlords should reveal if it’s on the property. With this knowledge, tenants can take steps not to disturb the fibers and expose themselves to its hazards.
- Medical marijuana disclosure: Patients can use medical marijuana in Austin under a doctor’s order. Landlords can use a disclosure to outline their rules and expectations upfront. For example, they may ban smoking medical marijuana on the property.
