• The rights of Texas landlords are protected in the state's Property Code.apartment for rent image by dead_account from Fotolia.com
  
  Texas landlords have rights that are covered in chapters 24, 54, 91 and 92 of the Texas Property Code. The Property Code covers rules on everything from requiring a tenant to put down a security deposits before moving in to following proper eviction proceedings. The laws are in place to be used as a guide in times of disputes between a landlord and a tenant.
  
  

Security Deposit

• According to Chapter 92, Subsection C, of the Texas Property Code, a Texas landlord can ask a potential tenant for a security deposit as a condition to move in. The purpose of a security deposit is to provide a landlord with funds that can be used for repairs and to renovate the dwelling in case a tenant damages it beyond normal wear and tear. A security deposit is also used in some cases as a safeguard when a tenant violates the lease agreement, such as not paying rent. Landlords can require additional deposits for potential tenants who are deemed high-risk. Security deposits can be required for tenants who will house dogs, cats and other pets.
  
  

Right to Enter

• A Texas landlord has the right to enter a tenant’s dwelling during emergencies, when conducting inspections and when making repairs. A landlord can specify other times when it’s appropriate to enter a dwelling. However, the lease agreement must specify these times and the tenant must have signed the agreement. During an eviction, a landlord can enter the dwelling and remove the tenant’s possessions only after a judge has ruled for the tenant to leave the property, the tenant doesn't appeal the case within five days and the time line to vacate—seven days—has passed.
  
  

Eviction

• When Texas landlords feel that their life is threatened by a tenant, they can file for eviction. Texas landlords can always evict tenants when they fail to pay the rent or violate other policies of the lease agreement, such as subleasing, or committing an illegal act or violent crime. If the tenant fails to pay rent within three days after a landlord has issued a notification of the intent to evict, then a landlord can ask the court for an immediate writ of possession, which goes into effect six days from the day the tenant has been notified. A landlord can also ask the court to require a tenant to pay for court fees, in addition to the rent that has been unpaid.