Top 5 Things to Consider When Entering a Rental Agreement in Dallas
Securing Counsel for Lease Agreements in Dallas: A Crucial Matter2 min read
Entering into a rental agreement involves a number of legal issues, making it a crucial matter for anyone looking for counsel that understands local regulations in Dallas. When considering renting or leasing a property, there are several things to consider to ensure the best possible outcome. In this article, you will find the top five factors to consider when entering into a rental agreement in Dallas.
When renting a property in Dallas, the first thing to consider is the length of the agreement. Rental agreements in Texas are either fixed-term or month-to-month agreements. Knowing the difference and which type of agreement works best for their situation is important. Most commonly, people entering into a rental agreement will enter into a fixed-term agreement, which states that the renter agrees to the length of the lease and the landlord is obligated to keep the tenant in the rental for that length of time. On the other hand, a month-to-month agreement does not have a fixed length and either party can terminate the agreement with one month’s notice.
In addition, it’s important to understand the Texas law regarding security deposits and the laws regarding nonrefundable and ‘pet’ deposits. In Texas, a landlord is allowed to request a security deposit, but it is typically limited to one and a half times the monthly rent. A landlord may also request additional deposits for ‘pet’ or ‘non-refundable’ deposits, which are generally limited to one-fourth of the monthly rent. All deposits must be returned to the renter according to Texas laws.
Another factor to consider when entering into a rental agreement is the pet policy. Many landlords in Dallas require tenants to have a ‘pet agreement’ in place before they will accept a pet on the premises. Furthermore, many rental agreements also include clauses that state that the tenant is responsible for any damage caused by the pet, regardless of whether the pet was present when the damage occurred. Understanding these rules can help tenants avoid any potential legal issues down the road.
Finally, it is also important to consider the process of evicting a tenant in Texas. Landlords in Texas must follow specific steps and timelines when attempting to evict a tenant, which begins by providing a three-day written notice. Within those three days, the tenant must either comply with the notice or dispute it in writing and contact the landlord. The eviction process in Dallas typically requires the landlord to go through the court system in an eviction trial. For these reasons, landlords in Texas need to ensure they have a solid understanding of the local Eviction Ordinance before filing an eviction against a tenant.
When looking for legal counsel to advise on the matters that come with a rental agreement in Dallas, consider utilizing the services of UpCounsel. UpCounsel offers a network of experienced lawyers who can provide high quality, cost-effective legal services. Their lawyers have an average of 14 years of experience, and their profile displays client ratings and reviews of recent work, allowing you to make sure that you are getting the best quality legal advice.
Topics:
