Tenant law in plain language
Austin

Landlord Entering Without Notice in Austin: What Are My Rights?

Published by Nazanin · August 16, 2026

Texas has no single statute on when a landlord may enter your home. Your lease and court decisions set the rules. Here is what they say and what to do when a landlord crosses the line.

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Not legal advice. Each answer below links to where it comes from. Read it before you act.

  1. Texas courts say a landlord may not come in unless you allow it, or your lease lists specific reasons for entry. The Texas Apartment Association lists many common reasons for entry. These include repairs, pest control, inspections, handling an emergency, or posting an eviction notice.

    TexasLawHelp.org Overview

    ✓ Sources checked September 14, 2026

  2. Advance notice is only required if your lease requires it. Emergencies are different. In an emergency, the landlord can enter with no advance notice to protect you and the property. Emergencies are different. In an emergency, the landlord can enter with no advance notice to protect you and the property.

    TexasLawHelp.org Does the landlord have to give advance notice in the case of an emergency?

    ✓ Sources checked September 14, 2026

  3. Every exterior door must have a keyless bolting device (a bolt you lock from inside without a key). Your landlord can keep you out without a court order only for real repairs, construction, or an emergency. It is also allowed if you left for good. A lock change for late rent is allowed only if your lease allows it and you got advance written notice. Then the landlord must post a notice and give you a new key on request, even if you do not pay.

    Texas Property Code § 92.0081(b) Texas Property Code § 92.153(a)(5)

    ✓ Sources checked September 28, 2026

  4. Locked out illegally? Go to the justice court for your area and file a sworn complaint for reentry. The judge can issue a fast order, called a writ of reentry, that puts you back in your home.

    Texas Property Code § 92.009(c)

    ✓ Sources checked September 28, 2026

  5. If the landlord breaks the entry rules or locks you out, put your complaint in writing with a deadline to fix it. If your landlord locks you out illegally, you can also collect 1 month's rent plus $1,000, plus your actual losses. For other serious privacy problems, you can sue for your losses, or ask a court to end your lease. If you stand up for your privacy rights, the law protects you for 6 months. Your landlord cannot punish you with an eviction or a rent increase during that time. You get this money only if you win your case and your landlord pays.

    RenterLaw editorial Texas Property Code § 92.0081(h)(2) TexasLawHelp.org What if the landlord violates the tenant’s privacy rights?

    ✓ Sources checked September 20, 2026

  6. For free help with an entry or privacy problem, call the Austin Tenants Council. Their number is 512-474-1961. They can give you letters and forms to use.

    Austin Tenants Council Telephone Counseling

    ✓ Sources checked September 28, 2026

  7. Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA) gives free legal help to low-income Austin renters in landlord disputes. Call 1-888-988-9996 if you need a lawyer because you were locked out or had a privacy problem.

    City of Austin Housing resources

    ✓ Sources checked September 28, 2026

  8. BASTA is part of TRLA. It helps Austin renters deal with problem landlords as a group. BASTA gives advice and legal help, and builds tenant associations. Call 512.522.9984 or go online to find in-person workshops and meetings.

    City of Austin Housing resources

    ✓ Sources checked September 28, 2026

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