Lubbock Landlord-Tenant Rules

State preemption of local tenant rules: Texas law sharply limits what the City can do for renters. A Texas city may not adopt, enforce or keep an ordinance in a field the Texas Property Code occupies, and that field expressly includes ordinances that regulate evictions or that prohibit, restrict or delay a notice to vacate or the filing of an eviction suit. For eviction suits filed on or after January 1, 2026, only the Legislature may modify or suspend eviction procedures, and courts may not require mediation or other pre-trial proceedings. Cities also may not bar landlords from refusing tenants because their rent is paid partly with federal housing assistance, such as Housing Choice Vouchers, except protections for military veterans.; Local rental assistance: A Lubbock County justice court handout says tenants in eviction cases may be eligible for rental assistance, and the judge discusses it at trial. The Lubbock County General Assistance Program takes direct applications and referrals from justice court evictions ((806) 775-1605, ERAG@lubbockcounty.gov). The City of Lubbock Community Development program accepts only referrals from Lubbock County justice court evictions. The handout also lists Catholic Charities of Lubbock (806-765-8475), the Salvation Army (806-765-9434), LIFE/RUN Center for Independent Living (806-795-5433), Vetstar for veterans (806-470-9317) and the Lubbock Housing Authority (806-762-1191).