Free Texas Lease Agreement: Complete Legal Template

Residential or commercial property rental contract

Sales Tax: 6.25%Notary: $6-$10Witnesses: 1

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RESIDENTIAL LEASE AGREEMENT
State of Texas

This Lease Agreement is entered into on [DATE] between:

LANDLORD:
Name: [LANDLORD NAME]
Address: [LANDLORD ADDRESS]
City, State, ZIP: [CITY], TX [ZIP]

TENANT:
Name: [TENANT NAME]
Address: [CURRENT ADDRESS]
City, State, ZIP: [CITY], TX [ZIP]

PROPERTY ADDRESS:
[RENTAL PROPERTY ADDRESS]
City, State, ZIP: [CITY], TX [ZIP]

LEASE TERMS:
1. Term: This lease begins on [START DATE] and ends on [END DATE].
2. Rent: $[AMOUNT] per month, due on the [DAY] of each month.
3. Security Deposit: $[AMOUNT] (subject to Texas security deposit laws).
4. Late Fees: $[AMOUNT] if rent is not received within [DAYS] days of due date.

TENANT RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Maintain the property in good condition
- Pay all utilities as agreed
- Comply with all Texas tenant obligations
- Provide [NOTICE PERIOD] days notice before vacating

LANDLORD RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Maintain habitable conditions per Texas law
- Make necessary repairs in a timely manner
- Respect tenant's right to quiet enjoyment
- Follow Texas eviction procedures if necessary

This agreement is governed by Texas Landlord-Tenant Law (TX Statutes § [RELEVANT SECTIONS]).

LANDLORD SIGNATURE: _____________________ DATE: _____
TENANT SIGNATURE: _____________________ DATE: _____
    

FAQ: Lease Agreement in Texas

Is a Lease Agreement required in Texas?

Yes, in Texas, a Lease Agreement is required for most transactions of this type. Under Texas Property Code § 92, the document must include all parties' information, be signed, and witnessed by at least one individual. Failure to use a proper Lease Agreement may result in legal complications.

Does a Lease Agreement need to be notarized in Texas?

Notarization requirements in Texas (TX) vary by transaction type. Notary fees in the state typically range from $6-$10. While not always mandatory, notarization adds an extra layer of legal protection and is recommended for high-value transactions.

What are the tax implications of a Lease Agreement in Texas?

Texas has a base sales tax rate of 6.25%. Depending on the type of transaction documented in your Lease Agreement, additional local taxes may apply. Consult with a Texas tax professional for specific guidance on your situation.

What should be included in a lease agreement?

A lease agreement should include: names of landlord and tenant, property address, lease term, rent amount and due date, security deposit amount, maintenance responsibilities, rules and restrictions, and signatures of all parties. State-specific requirements may apply.

How much security deposit can a landlord charge?

Security deposit limits vary by state. Some states limit deposits to one or two months' rent, while others have no limit. The deposit must typically be returned within 15-60 days after the lease ends, minus any legitimate deductions for damages.

Can a landlord enter my rental property without notice?

No, most states require landlords to provide advance notice (typically 24-48 hours) before entering a rental property, except in emergencies. The lease agreement should specify the notice period and acceptable reasons for entry.

Lease Agreement Costs in Texas

Estimated fees and processing times

Fee TypeCostNotes
Notary FeeNot requiredTexas standard rate: $6-$10
Filing FeeNot requiredState registration (if applicable)
Processing TimeImmediateTypical turnaround in Texas
Sales Tax6.25%Texas base rate (local taxes may apply)
Witness Requirement1 witnessSingle witness sufficient
Our TemplateFREEDownload instantly, no cost
Fees shown are Texas-specific estimates. Contact your local office for exact pricing.

Texas Lease Agreement Requirements

Review the following requirements to ensure your Lease Agreement is legally valid in Texas.

Security deposit limit applies
Lead paint disclosure required
Landlord must provide move-in checklist
Tenant has right to repair and deduct
Late fee cap enforced
Lease must state rent amount
Notice period for termination required
Landlord must return deposit within 30 days
Mold disclosure required
Rent control may apply

Texas Notarization

While notarization may not be required in Texas, it is recommended. Fees range from $6-$10.

Before You Sign

Review all information carefully. In Texas, a 6.25% sales tax may apply.

Legal Protection

Keep copies of all signed documents. Texas law requires all parties to receive copies of executed documents.

Texas Filing Deadlines

Check Texas deadlines for filing or recording this document with the appropriate county clerk's office.

SMJ
Reviewed & Fact-Checked

Sarah Mitchell, J.D.

Legal Document Specialist

Licensed Attorney, 15+ years experience

Specializes in contract law and legal document preparation

This Lease Agreement template for Texas has been reviewed for accuracy and legal compliance.

Last reviewed: March 2026

Where to File Your Lease Agreement in Texas

Visit your local County Clerk office to file or notarize your Lease Agreement.

Harris County Clerk

Houston

201 Caroline St, Houston, TX 77002

Dallas County Clerk

Dallas

509 Main St, Dallas, TX 75202

Bexar County Clerk

San Antonio

100 Dolorosa, San Antonio, TX 78205

Travis County Clerk

Austin

5501 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78751

Texas Lease Agreement Legal Guide

For residents of Texas, ensuring this form is compliant with state-specific requirements is a top priority for legal validity.

For Texas (TX) residents, this Lease Agreement is governed by Texas Property Code § 92. Important details: sales tax at 6.25%, notary costs of $6-$10, and a requirement for 1 witness. The document has indefinite validity once properly executed.

Ensure your transaction is legally sound in Texas with this expertly crafted, state-compliant template.

landlordtenantmonthly rentsecurity depositlease termrental propertylease contractrental agreementtenancy
A properly executed Lease Agreement in Texas protects all parties involved and ensures compliance with TX state law. Below, we cover the critical steps, common pitfalls, and state-specific rules you should be aware of before signing.

What Texas Attorneys Want You to Know

Practicing lawyers in Texas emphasize three things: accuracy, completeness, and compliance with TX statutes. A well-prepared Lease Agreement saves time, money, and potential legal headaches down the road. When in doubt, a brief consultation with a Texas-licensed attorney is worth the investment.

Enforceability in Texas

A Lease Agreement that meets all TX requirements is fully enforceable in Texas. Courts in Texas have consistently upheld documents that demonstrate clear intent, proper execution, and compliance with state formalities. Keep your original signed copy in a secure location.

Getting It Done Right in Texas

Here's the practical approach: download, fill in your details, get signatures, and handle any TX-required notarization. Texas makes the process relatively straightforward, but attention to detail matters. Keep at least two copies — one for each party involved.

Meeting Texas's Legal Threshold

For your Lease Agreement to hold up in a Texas court, it must satisfy the state's statutory requirements. TX law emphasizes clear language, mutual consent, and proper execution. We've built these requirements directly into our template.

Document Information

Document
Lease Agreement
State
Texas (TX)
Category
Real Estate
Format
PDF / Word / Print
Cost
100% Free
Sales Tax
6.25%
Notary Fee
$6-$10

Texas Legal Requirements

Governing Statute:

Texas Property Code Title 8

  • No state limit on security deposits
  • Must return deposit within 30 days
  • Landlord must provide written notice for entry
  • Lease must be in writing for terms over 1 year

📊 Lease Agreement vs. Rental Agreement in Texas

Lease Agreement
Rental Agreement
Lease is typically 6-12 months or longer
Rental is usually month-to-month
Texas security deposit laws apply to both
Texas requires 1 witness for lease execution
Comparison based on Texas state law. Requirements may vary by county.

Legal Disclaimer

This template is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws in Texas may change. Consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.