Every adult who will live in the dwelling should sign as a tenant, the landlord should sign as the owner of record or as an agent with authority, and each signature should be dated. The reason is enforcement: an adult who lives there but did not sign owes nothing under the lease, and a landlord who signs as “manager” without authority invites a challenge to any notice the landlord later serves. Property Code §92.201 lets a tenant demand, in writing, the name and address of the record title holder and of any off-site management company, with a seven-day deadline — so the lease should already say who they are.
Tenants, occupants and guarantors
- Tenants sign and are jointly liable for rent and damage; name each in full, matching the identification you saw at application.
- Occupants — minors, and adults you choose not to make tenants — are listed by name in the occupancy clause but do not sign; §92.010 caps adults at three per bedroom.
- A guarantor signs a separate guaranty; under §92.021 the guarantee covers the original term only unless the lease states the last renewal date it reaches.
- An agent signing for the owner should sign “as agent for [owner]” and keep the authority in the file; §92.003 lets the landlord name an agent for service of process in the lease.
Delivering the signed lease
Under §92.024 the landlord must give “at least one complete copy of the lease to at least one tenant” within three business days of the last signature, and a further copy to any other tenant who asks in writing within three business days of the request; the copy may be paper or, if the tenant requested it, electronic. A landlord who has not complied cannot pursue an action to enforce the lease — other than for non-payment of rent — until the copy is delivered (§92.024(d)). Record the delivery date next to the signatures.
Electronic signatures and e-mail
Texas recognises electronic signatures generally, and §92.113 (effective September 1, 2025) allows deposit-related notices and communications by e-mail “if the tenant and the landlord or landlord’s agent have previously communicated by e-mail,” with the landlord free to designate an address. Put the e-mail addresses of both parties in the lease and state that the parties agree to communicate by e-mail; it costs nothing and settles the question for the deposit accounting later.
Frequently asked questions
Should every adult sign the lease?
Yes. An adult who lives there without signing is an occupant with no obligation to pay; §92.010 limits adults to three per bedroom regardless (Property Code Chapter 92).
How soon must the tenant receive a copy of the signed lease?
Within three business days of the last signature, and within three business days of any other tenant’s written request; enforcement other than for unpaid rent is abated until the copy is delivered (Property Code §92.024).
Can a tenant find out who really owns the property?
Yes — on written request the landlord must disclose the record owner’s name and address and any off-site management company within seven days, or post the information continuously (Property Code §92.201).
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 ↗
- 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.