Tex. Loc. Gov't Code Ann. ch. 214 (subchs. A, B, C, G, H, I, Z) § 214.902
RENT CONTROL.
Operative Text
Sec. 214.902. RENT CONTROL. (a) The governing body of a municipality may, by ordinance, establish rent control if:(1) the governing body finds that a housing emergency exists due to a disaster as defined by Section 418.004, Government Code; and(2) the governor approves the ordinance.(b) The governing body shall continue or discontinue rent control in the same manner that the governor continues or discontinues a state of disaster under Section 418.014, Government Code. Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 12.108, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Under Texas Local Government Code § 214.902, rent control is not a standing municipal power in Texas — it can only be activated under a narrow set of emergency conditions. Specifically, a city's governing body may enact a rent control ordinance only when it has formally found that a housing emergency exists because of a declared disaster, and only after the governor has approved that ordinance. Once in place, rent control must be continued or ended in step with the governor's own decisions about maintaining or lifting the state of disaster declaration.
Plain English — not legal advice.
For property owners and managers operating in Texas, § 214.902 makes clear that rent control ordinances are effectively off the table under normal market conditions. A compliant operator generally monitors whether a gubernatorially approved municipal rent control ordinance has been enacted in their jurisdiction following a declared disaster, and adjusts rental practices accordingly if one takes effect. Because the trigger conditions are tied to a formal disaster declaration and governor approval, operators typically have advance notice before any such restrictions could apply.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section § 214.902 establishes that Texas tenants do not have rent control protections available to them outside of a very specific disaster-related emergency scenario. If a disaster has been declared and a municipality has enacted a governor-approved rent control ordinance under this provision, tenants in that jurisdiction may have grounds to challenge rent increases that violate the ordinance's terms. Tenants who believe a qualifying ordinance is in effect and is being violated can explore options such as contacting their local municipal government, reaching out to a tenant-rights organization, or consulting with a housing attorney to understand what remedies may be available.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 28, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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