Austin Residential Lease Agreement

Austin 1 on iPropertyManagement.com

A residential lease agreement in Austin is a binding document outlining the terms and conditions of a rental property. Once signed by both parties (landlord and tenant), the tenant will make periodic payments in exchange for living on the property.

Residential Lease Agreement Requirements in Austin

Austin has no city-specific residential lease agreement requirements or disclosures. As such, landlords and tenants in Austin follow Texas requirements for residential lease agreements.

Landlord-Tenant Rights and Regulations in Austin

The City of Austin outlines a few important laws and regulations regarding landlord-tenant rights . Landlords should be aware of the following:

Tenant Notification and Relocation Ordinance

Austin passed an ordinance requiring landlords to provide tenants with 120 days’ written notice if the owner applied for a permit to either demolish or renovate the property. [1] They must also provide eligible tenants with both a relocation fee and relocation assistance. [2] This applies to buildings with 5 or more occupied units.

Tenant Right to Organize

This ordinance states that tenants have a right to create or participate in tenant organizations. [3] It also states that landlords are prohibited from interfering with a tenant’s right to exercise this freedom. [4]

Optional Lease Agreement Disclosures and Addendums in Austin

While not mandatory, landlords can add specific disclosures and addendums to their leases. This helps outline the responsibilities of the tenant and can prevent future liability issues.

Pet Disclosure

Austin is known for being one of the most pet-friendly cities in the U.S . As such, landlords may want to address the building’s pet policies. This disclosure should include whether or not pets are allowed on the property, the tenant’s responsibility to cover any pet-related damages, and any additional pet fees or restrictions.

Medical Marijuana Use Disclosure

Medical marijuana use is legal in Austin—which is why it’s important to disclose if it will be permitted on the property. In Texas, landlords can restrict marijuana usage to non-smoking methods only. It’s also important to clarify if there are designated smoking areas on the premises.

Asbestos Disclosure

Since Texas is listed among the top states for asbestos exposure , landlords should include a disclosure stating if asbestos is present on the property. If asbestos is present, tenants should take precautions to minimize the chance of disturbing the asbestos fibers.

Summary of Required Lease Disclosures for the State of Texas

Sources

The requirements of this section apply to an application to: demolish, alter, or repair the interior or exterior of a multi-family building that would result in the displacement of tenants in a building with five or more occupied residential units, including a demolition permit or a building permit…

The director shall adopt a tenant relocation program by administrative rule for the purpose of mitigating the impacts of tenant displacement resulting from multi-family redevelopment within the City of Austin.

A tenant may establish and participate in a tenant organization without landlord interference…

A landlord may not intentionally interfere or allow another to interfere with a tenant’s right to exercise the activities defined in Section 4-14-124.

More Lease Agreement Templates

Dallas Lease Agreement

San Diego Lease Agreement

San Antonio Lease Agreement

Philadelphia Lease Agreement

Phoenix Lease Agreement

Houston Lease Agreement