San Antonio Landlord Laws, the 2026 Quick Guide

San Antonio operates under Texas state landlord-tenant law (Tex. Prop. Code Chapter 92) with limited city overlays. Like Houston, San Antonio is landlord-friendly with no city rent control or just-cause requirements. This is the San Antonio-specific quick reference for 2026.

## Texas baseline

• Security deposit: no cap (Tex. Prop. Code 92.101+).
• Return deadline: 30 days from vacating + forwarding address (Tex. Prop. Code 92.103).
• Late fee cap: 12% (1-4 units) / 10% (larger), 2-day grace (Tex. Prop. Code 92.019).
• Notice to vacate: 3 days minimum (Tex. Prop. Code 24.005).
• Flood disclosure: HB 531 at Tex. Prop. Code 92.0135.
• Rent control: preempted (Tex. Loc. Gov't Code 214.902).

## San Antonio-specific rules

San Antonio has limited city-specific landlord regulation:

• San Antonio Property Maintenance Code: habitability standards inspected by City Code Enforcement.
• No multifamily registration program as Dallas has.
• Lead-based paint: federal 24 CFR Part 35.
• Flood disclosure: HB 531, relevant for many San Antonio neighborhoods after 2018 floods.
• Right-to-Counsel program for tenants facing eviction (Bexar County program, established 2022).

## San Antonio eviction process

San Antonio evictions go through Bexar County Justice of the Peace courts:

1. 3-day notice to vacate.
2. Forcible detainer petition.
3. Tenant answer within 6-10 days.
4. Hearing within 10-21 days.
5. Appeal window 5 days.
6. Writ of possession + constable lockout.

Bexar County's tenant Right-to-Counsel program means more tenants are represented at hearings than in other Texas counties. Plan for slightly more contested cases.

## Common mistakes

Skipping flood disclosure. Many San Antonio properties south of downtown are in flood plains. HB 531 disclosure is required.

Late fees above 12%. Tex. Prop. Code 92.019 caps at 12% (1-4 unit buildings).

For a San Antonio-ready Texas residential lease, see leasekit.io/templates/texas-residential-lease for $29 one-time.