Tex. Prop. Code Ann. §§ 92.001–92.355 § 92.011
CASH RENTAL PAYMENTS.
Operative Text
Sec. 92.011. CASH RENTAL PAYMENTS. (a) A landlord shall accept a tenant's timely cash rental payment unless a written lease between the landlord and tenant requires the tenant to make rental payments by check, money order, or other traceable or negotiable instrument.(b) A landlord who receives a cash rental payment shall:(1) provide the tenant with a written receipt; and(2) enter the payment date and amount in a record book maintained by the landlord.(c) A tenant or a governmental entity or civic association acting on the tenant's behalf may file suit against a landlord to enjoin a violation of this section. A party who prevails in a suit brought under this subsection may recover court costs and reasonable attorney's fees from the other party. In addition to court costs and reasonable attorney's fees, a tenant who prevails under this subsection may recover from the landlord the greater of one month's rent or $500 for each violation of this section. Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 938, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993. Renumbered from Property Code Sec. 92.010 by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 17.01(44), eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Under Texas Property Code § 92.011, landlords are generally required to accept cash rent payments from tenants unless a written lease specifically requires payment by check, money order, or another traceable or negotiable instrument. When a landlord does accept cash, the law requires them to give the tenant a written receipt and to log the payment date and amount in a record book. Tenants, or governmental entities and civic associations acting on their behalf, may bring a lawsuit to stop violations of this section, with the prevailing party potentially recovering court costs and attorney's fees.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Texas Property Code § 92.011 generally maintain a clear written lease if they intend to restrict payment methods to checks, money orders, or other traceable instruments — because without such a written agreement, cash must be accepted. When cash is received, compliant operators issue a written receipt to the tenant at the time of payment and record the date and amount in a dedicated ledger or record book. Keeping consistent documentation practices helps demonstrate compliance if a dispute arises under § 92.011.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Texas Property Code § 92.011 gives tenants the right to pay rent in cash unless their written lease specifically requires another payment method, and entitles them to a written receipt and a landlord's record entry for every cash payment made. If a landlord refuses cash without a written lease provision requiring another form of payment, or fails to provide a receipt, § 92.011 allows the tenant — or a governmental entity or civic association acting on the tenant's behalf — to file suit to stop the violation. A tenant who prevails in such a suit may recover court costs, reasonable attorney's fees, and the greater of one month's rent or $500 per violation; tenant-rights organizations can be a resource for understanding available enforcement paths.
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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