Texas Law: Plain-English Guides

Key Texas facts

Security deposit deadline

On or before the 30th day after the tenant surrenders the premises. Tex. Prop. Code Sec. 92.103(a)

Eviction notice for unpaid rent

At least 3 days' written notice to vacate before filing, unless the written lease provides a shorter or longer period. Tex. Prop. Code Sec. 24.005(a)

Small claims limit

$20,000, excluding statutory interest and court costs but including any attorney fees, for recovery of money damages, civil penalties, personal property or other relief allowed by law. Tex. R. Civ. P. 500.1(a)-(c)

Small estate affidavit

Available only when the decedent died without a will. At least 30 days must have passed since death, no petition for a personal representative may be pending or granted, and estate assets (excluding homestead and… Tex. Estates Code §§ 205.001-205.009

Cost of a protective order

Applicants cannot be charged any fee, cost or expense by the clerk, sheriff, constable or other official for filing, serving or entering a protective order, or for related services such as certified copies, modifying… Tex. Fam. Code § 81.002

Minimum wage

$7.25 per hour. Texas law adopts the federal minimum wage. The state Minimum Wage Act applies only to employers not covered by the federal FLSA (FLSA-covered employers follow the federal law, which sets the same rate). Tex. Lab. Code §§ 62.051, 62.0515, 62.151

Final paycheck if fired

Within six calendar days after the last day of work (laid off, discharged or fired). The employer cannot hold the final check to recover company property unless allowed by law, a court, or the employee's written… Tex. Lab. Code § 61.014 (Texas Payday Law)

Time limit to sue on a debt

4 years. A suit on a debt must be brought within four years after the claim accrues; the residual period for claims with no other stated period is also four years. Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code 16.004(a)(3), 16.051