WomensLaw serves and supports all survivors, no matter their sex or gender.

Legal Information: Texas

Housing Laws

Updated: 
July 28, 2023

What steps do I have to take to end (terminate) my lease early?

There are two main steps that you need to take to terminate your lease without being held liable for breaking your lease.

You have to give your landlord, or the landlord’s agent, a copy of one of the following documents:

  1. a protective order for sexual assault, sexual abuse, indecent assault, stalking, or trafficking that was issued after notice to the abuser. In other words, a temporary ex parte order is not acceptable; or
  2. documentation of the sexual assault, sexual abuse, stalking, or attempted sexual assault or sexual abuse from any of the following people:
    • a licensed health care services provider who examined the victim;
    • a licensed mental health services provider who examined or evaluated the victim;
    • a sexual assault prevention and crisis services professional who provided services to the victim; and
  3. only for victims of stalking who provide the documentation listed in #2, a law enforcement incident report or similar record is also required. To clarify, this is not required for victims of stalking who give their landlord the protective order listed in #1.1

In addition, at least 30 days before the date on which you intend to end the lease, you must give the landlord written notice that clearly states your plans to terminate the lease and then you must leave (vacate) the home on the day that you indicated.2

1 TX Property Code § 92.0161(c), (c-1)
2 TX Property Code § 92.0161(d)