Cash rent is lawful and, unless the written lease requires a traceable instrument, must be accepted — Property Code §92.011 says so and adds two duties: “provide the tenant with a written receipt” and “enter the payment date and amount in a record book maintained by the landlord.” The penalty for ignoring either is the greater of one month’s rent or $500 per violation plus attorney’s fees. The controls below exist to make the statute automatic and to leave a bank trail for every note.
Five controls
| Control | What it means | Statute or purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Receipt at the counter | A two-part numbered receipt book; the tenant leaves with the top copy | §92.011(b)(1) |
| Record book same day | Date, amount, tenant, period — the ledger row | §92.011(b)(2) |
| Deposit within one business day | The whole amount, in one deposit, referenced to the receipt number | Bank trail; income substantiation (IRS) |
| Two people or two records | Where an agent collects, the agent’s receipt log is reconciled by the owner monthly | Prevents skimming |
| Written place and hours | The lease names where cash may be paid and when | Avoids “I tried to pay” disputes |
Declining cash lawfully
If you would rather not handle cash, the lease must say that rent is payable “by check, money order, or other traceable or negotiable instrument” — the exact condition §92.011(a) sets. A verbal or e-mailed “no cash” rule does not meet it, and refusing a timely cash tender under such a rule is a violation.
The receipt and the notice
Because a cash receipt is the tenant’s only proof, an error on it — the wrong month, an amount that looks like payment in full — becomes the tenant’s evidence in an eviction. Write the period and any remaining balance on every receipt, and keep the carbon with the ledger.
Frequently asked questions
Must a Texas landlord accept cash rent?
Yes, when timely, unless the written lease requires a check, money order or other traceable or negotiable instrument (Property Code §92.011).
What must a landlord do on receiving cash?
Give a written receipt and record the date and amount in a record book; the penalty for a violation is the greater of one month’s rent or $500 plus attorney’s fees (Property Code §92.011).
Can a manager collect cash for the owner?
Yes, with the same receipt and record duties; reconcile the agent’s receipts to deposits monthly.
Sources
Rules change and the right answer can depend on the home, the city, the lease and the timing. These are the official pages this guide relies on; check them before signing, charging a fee, sending a notice or making a legal decision.
- Texas Property Code, Chapter 92 — Residential Tenancies ↗
- IRS — Tips on rental real estate income, deductions and recordkeeping ↗
- Texas State Law Library — Rent ↗
General information for U.S. landlords, with a Texas focus. This guide is not legal, tax or accounting advice. Consult a qualified professional for your situation. Written by the rentalfreelease.com Editorial Team; last reviewed September 19, 2026.