Is Mediation Available for Landlord-Tenant Disputes in Texas?
Direct Answer
Yes. Texas landlord-tenant disputes can be mediated through community mediation centers, Justice of the Peace court referrals, and local dispute resolution programs.
Yes. Texas has several resources for landlord-tenant mediation, though the framework is less comprehensive than in some other states. Community mediation centers in major cities — including the Dispute Resolution Center of Travis County (Austin), the Bexar County Dispute Resolution Center (San Antonio), the Dallas Dispute Resolution Center, and the Houston Dispute Resolution Center — provide free or low-cost mediation for residential landlord-tenant disputes. These centers handle security deposit return disputes, habitability complaints, lease termination disagreements, and minor eviction-related issues. For cases filed in Justice of the Peace (JP) court — which handles evictions and claims up to $20,000 — the court may refer the case to mediation. Texas Property Code Chapter 92 governs residential tenancies and provides specific rules on security deposits, repairs, and retaliation. Texas does not have statewide rent control, but several cities have attempted local rent control ordinances (which are preempted by state law under Local Government Code §214.902). Mediation is particularly valuable in eviction cases where the tenant can pay arrears — a negotiated payment plan can avoid a formal eviction judgment on the tenant's record. The Texas Eviction Diversion Program (TEDP), funded through federal COVID-19 relief, provided rental assistance and mediation services through 2023.