Breaking a Lease in Texas: Your Rights and Options

Texas rental agreements dictate what is required of you when you break a lease. Unless you are breaking your lease due to military obligations, you are subject to fees and a bad reference. The Texas Apartment Association has laid out rules for getting out of your lease that align with Texas law. If the steps required to break your lease are not set out in writing, speak with your landlord and have an addendum drafted that addresses that issue.

Step 1

Provide written notice of 30 to 60 days to your landlord. Not providing notice can lead to additional penalties. Get your landlord to sign the notice, which will contain your intended move-out date, and return a copy to you.

Step 2

Pack your belongings and remove them from the premises. Clean the rental and set a time to meet with your landlord on or before your move-out date.

Step 3

Walk through the rental with the landlord. Being present during the final walk-through can help you avoid unwarranted charges for cleaning or repairs.

Step 4

Pay your reletting fee and any additional fines or fees the landlord has lawfully included in your lease. If you cannot afford to pay the fees all at once, arrange a payment plan with your landlord and stick to it. You are responsible for the remaining balance of the lease, although the landlord must make a good-faith effort to rerent the property as quickly as possible.