Sec. 92.010. OCCUPANCY LIMITS. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), the maximum number of adults that a landlord may allow to occupy a dwelling is three times the number of bedrooms in the dwelling.
(b) A landlord may allow an occupancy rate of more than three adult tenants per bedroom:
(1) to the extent that the landlord is required by a state or federal fair housing law to allow a higher occupancy rate; or
(2) if an adult whose occupancy causes a violation of Subsection (a) is seeking temporary sanctuary from family violence, as defined by Section 71.004, Family Code, for a period that does not exceed one month.
(c) An individual who owns or leases a dwelling within 3,000 feet of a dwelling as to which a landlord has violated this section, or a governmental entity or civic association acting on behalf of the individual, may file suit against a landlord to enjoin the violation. A party who prevails in a suit 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 plaintiff who prevails under this subsection may recover from the landlord $500 for each violation of this section.
(d) In this section:
(1) "Adult" means an individual 18 years of age or older.
(2) "Bedroom" means an area of a dwelling intended as sleeping quarters. The term does not include a kitchen, dining room, bathroom, living room, utility room, or closet or storage area of a dwelling.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 937, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 7.002(o), eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Structure Texas Statutes
Chapter 92 - Residential Tenancies
Subchapter A. General Provisions
Section 92.003. Landlord's Agent for Service of Process
Section 92.005. Attorney's Fees
Section 92.006. Waiver or Expansion of Duties and Remedies
Section 92.008. Interruption of Utilities
Section 92.0081. Removal of Property and Exclusion of Residential Tenant
Section 92.009. Residential Tenant's Right of Reentry After Unlawful Lockout
Section 92.0091. Residential Tenant's Right of Restoration After Unlawful Utility Disconnection
Section 92.010. Occupancy Limits
Section 92.011. Cash Rental Payments
Section 92.012. Notice to Tenant at Primary Residence
Section 92.013. Notice of Rule or Policy Change Affecting Tenant's Personal Property
Section 92.0131. Notice Regarding Vehicle Towing or Parking Rules or Policies
Section 92.0132. Term of Parking Permit
Section 92.0135. Notice for Dwelling Located in Floodplain
Section 92.014. Personal Property and Security Deposit of Deceased Tenant
Section 92.015. Tenant's Right to Summon Police or Emergency Assistance
Section 92.016. Right to Vacate and Avoid Liability Following Family Violence
Section 92.0161. Right to Vacate and Avoid Liability Following Certain Sex Offenses or Stalking
Section 92.0162. Right to Vacate and Avoid Liability Following Tenant's Death
Section 92.018. Liability of Tenant for Governmental Fines
Section 92.019. Late Payment of Rent; Fees
Section 92.0191. Statement of Late Fees
Section 92.020. Emergency Phone Number
Section 92.021. Liability of Certain Guarantors Under Lease
Section 92.023. Tenant's Remedies Regarding Revocation of Certificate of Occupancy
Section 92.024. Landlord's Duty to Provide Copy of Lease
Section 92.025. Liability for Leasing to Person With Criminal Record
Section 92.026. Possession of Firearms or Firearm Ammunition on Leased Premises