Four documents belong with almost every Texas residential lease, and two more depend on the property. Required by statute: the flood notice under Property Code §92.0135, signed by both parties; the tenant-selection-criteria acknowledgment if you provided criteria (§92.3515); and, for a multiunit complex, the vehicle towing and parking rules (§92.0131). Required by federal rule for most housing built before 1978: the lead pamphlet, disclosure and warning statement (EPA). Property-dependent: HOA rules the tenant must follow, and the master-metered water allocation statement under Water Code §13.5031.
The checklist
| Document | When required | Rule | Consequence of omission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flood notice (100-year floodplain; flooding in last 5 years) | Every lease of 30 days or more, at or before signing, signed by both | §92.0135; TREC form | Tenant may terminate within 30 days of a flood loss and recover prepaid rent and deposit |
| Lead pamphlet, disclosure, warning statement | Most housing built before 1978; exemptions for 0-bedroom units, leases ≤ 100 days, certified lead-free housing | 40 CFR 745 / 24 CFR 35; EPA | Federal penalties; keep the signed copy three years |
| Early-termination sentence | Every lease | §§92.016, 92.017 | Terminating tenant released from delinquent rent |
| Selection criteria acknowledgment | Whenever criteria are provided to an applicant | §92.3515 | Rebuttable presumption the criteria were not made available |
| Parking and towing rules | Multiunit complexes | §92.0131 | Notice defects in towing disputes |
| Water allocation statement | Master-metered buildings allocating water | Water Code §13.5031 | PUC complaint exposure |
| HOA rules | Homes in an association | Deed restrictions | Fines land on the owner |
| Pet addendum / assistance-animal paragraph | When animals are allowed or requested | Lease; Fair Housing Act | Deposit and accommodation disputes |
How to assemble the packet
- Print the flood notice from the FEMA map result and the property’s history; both parties sign (§92.0135(e)).
- For pre-1978 housing, attach the pamphlet and the disclosure with the tenant’s initials on each element; keep the signed copy three years (EPA).
- Attach the criteria acknowledgment to the application, not the lease, but keep both together.
- Number the addenda in the lease’s list of attachments so nothing is claimed later to have been missing.
- Deliver the whole packet with the lease copy within three business days (§92.024).
Frequently asked questions
Is the flood notice mandatory in Texas?
Yes, for leases of 30 days or more: the landlord states whether the dwelling is in a 100-year floodplain and, if known, whether it flooded in the last five years, in a signed document at or before signing (Property Code §92.0135).
Which rentals need the lead disclosure?
Most housing built before 1978, before the lease takes effect — pamphlet, disclosure of known hazards and records, and a warning statement; zero-bedroom units, leases of 100 days or less and certified lead-free housing are exempt (EPA).
Where does the selection-criteria acknowledgment go?
With the application: when criteria are provided, the applicant signs an acknowledgment, and without it there is a rebuttable presumption the criteria were not made available (Property Code §92.3515).
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 ↗
- TREC — Landlord’s Floodplain and Flood Notice (official form) ↗
- EPA — Real estate disclosures about potential lead hazards (lessor requirements) ↗
- Texas State Law Library — Landlord/Tenant Law research guide ↗
- Texas State Law Library — Leases ↗
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.