McAllen 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.; Habitability/code enforcement & complaint line: McAllen's Health & Code Enforcement Department enforces the City's environmental and health code. Code Enforcement Officers are the main contact for land-use complaints and enforce City ordinances, and a Code Enforcement Analyst works with nonprofits and owners to improve the City's residential housing stock. Code Enforcement can be reached at (956) 681-1900, and concerns can be reported through McAllen 311.