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What Is a Texas Commercial Lease Agreement?

A Texas commercial lease agreement is a contract for renting business property such as office, retail, warehouse, or industrial space. Texas commercial leases are notable because the state gives landlords unusually specific statutory remedies for rent delinquency, lockouts, abandoned property, and building landlord liens.

When to Use a Commercial Lease in Texas

  • Leasing retail, office, warehouse, or industrial space in Texas.
  • Renting business premises where the landlord wants strong default remedies for nonpayment.
  • Leasing space where the tenant will keep equipment, inventory, or other business property on site.
  • Drafting a lease that needs to address lockouts, abandoned property, or stored items.
  • Negotiating lien waivers or lender accommodations for tenant personal property.

Key Texas Commercial Lease Provisions

  • Commercial Lockout Remedy: Under Tex. Prop. Code § 93.002(c), a landlord may exclude a commercial tenant without judicial process by changing the locks when the tenant is delinquent in paying at least part of the rent. The landlord must post a written notice on the front door stating who can provide the new key (§ 93.002(f)).
  • Tenant Reentry Remedy: Under § 93.003, a tenant who believes the lockout was unlawful can file a sworn complaint in justice court and may obtain an ex parte writ of reentry.
  • Abandonment and Stored Property: Under § 93.002(d)–(e), abandonment is presumed when goods are being removed in a way that suggests intent to abandon. The landlord may remove and store property left in abandoned premises and may dispose of it if not claimed within 60 days after sending a certified-mail notice.
  • Building Landlord's Lien: Under Tex. Prop. Code §§ 54.021–.025, a person who leases all or part of a building for nonresidential use has a preference lien on the tenant's property in the building for rent due and for rent to become due during the current 12-month period. This lien matters in leases involving inventory, FF&E, or financed equipment.
  • Lien Enforcement: Under § 54.022, the lien is unenforceable for rent more than six months past due unless the landlord files a verified lien statement with the county clerk. The lien exists only while the tenant occupies the building and for one month after abandonment (§ 54.024).
  • Duty to Mitigate: Under Tex. Prop. Code § 91.006, landlords have a statutory duty to mitigate damages if the tenant abandons the premises.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Texas commercial landlord change the locks without going to court?

Yes, but only for rent delinquency. Tex. Prop. Code § 93.002(c) allows exclusion by lock change when the tenant is delinquent in paying at least part of the rent, not just any lease default.

What happens if a commercial tenant is wrongfully locked out in Texas?

The tenant may seek damages or possession and can pursue a writ of reentry under § 93.003. Penalties can include at least one month's rent or $500, whichever is greater, plus attorney's fees.

Does Texas give commercial landlords a lien on tenant property inside the building?

Yes. Tex. Prop. Code § 54.021 creates a building landlord's lien on the tenant's property in the building for rent due and certain future rent during the current 12-month period.

How long does the Texas building landlord's lien last?

Under § 54.024, the lien lasts while the tenant occupies the building and for one month after abandonment.

If a tenant abandons space, can the landlord dispose of the property left behind?

Yes. Under § 93.002(e), the landlord may remove and store property left in abandoned premises and may dispose of it if not claimed within 60 days after sending the required certified-mail notice.