How much can a Spring TX landlord raise rent in 2026?

Spring landlords can raise rent by any amount. There is no statutory percentage ceiling, no CPI-based guideline, and no administrative approval requirement in Texas. The only constraints are contractual and procedural: (1) During an active fixed-term lease, rent is locked for the term. A landlord cannot unilaterally raise rent mid-term without the tenant's written agreement. (2) For month-to-month tenancies, Texas Property Code §91.001 requires written notice equal to the rental period — at minimum 30 days for monthly tenancies — before a new rent amount takes effect. (3) The Fair Housing Act prohibits selectively applying increases based on protected characteristics (race, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, disability). Spring's proximity to the ExxonMobil campus (1 ExxonMobil Way, Spring TX 77389, approximately 10,000–12,000 employees who relocated from downtown Houston beginning in 2015) and Hewlett Packard Enterprise create a strong professional-worker tenant base that sustains rent growth in the I-45/Beltway 8 north corridor. 1BR market rents in Spring range from approximately $1,100–$1,600 depending on submarket, with premium submarkets near Spring Creek and the ExxonMobil campus corridor commanding $1,400–$1,900 for newer construction.

Since Spring TX is unincorporated, which court handles evictions?

Because Spring is unincorporated Harris County, evictions are handled by Harris County Justice of the Peace Courts. There is no Spring Municipal Court. Harris County has eight JP precincts; the precinct covering north Harris County / Spring area is primarily JP Precinct 4. Harris County JP Precinct 4 has multiple locations including 9423 Rowlett Rd (far northeast Harris County) and North Belt area offices. For Spring-area FED (Forcible Entry and Detainer / eviction) filings, landlords should call the Harris County JP Courts hotline at (713) 755-6358 or visit the Harris County Justice of the Peace website to confirm the correct precinct address for the specific property zip code. Filing fee for a forcible detainer action in Harris County JP Courts is approximately $100–$135. Texas Property Code §24.005 requires the landlord to serve a 3-Day Notice to Vacate before filing. After the 3-day period, the FED petition is filed at the JP Court. A hearing is set within 10 days by statute. If uncontested, a Writ of Possession is available after the 5-day appeal period, with total timeline approximately 3–5 weeks from notice to lockout. Appeals from JP Court go to the 11th District Court or applicable county court at law in Harris County (Harris County Courthouse, 1001 Preston St., Houston TX 77002).

What major employers drive rental demand in Spring TX?

Spring's rental market is primarily driven by two corporate campus anchors and the broader Houston energy sector: (1) ExxonMobil Houston Campus (1 ExxonMobil Way, Spring TX 77389): ExxonMobil relocated its corporate headquarters from downtown Houston to this sprawling 385-acre campus in Spring beginning in 2015. The campus accommodates approximately 10,000–12,000 employees in a mixed-use suburban campus format. ExxonMobil employees are predominantly engineers, geoscientists, finance professionals, and corporate staff with median compensation above $120,000 — driving demand for $1,400–$2,200/month housing in the Spring corridor near SH-99 (Grand Parkway) and I-45. The campus directly catalyzed the construction of multiple high-end apartment communities and single-family rental developments in the FM 2920/Spring Creek/I-45 north quadrant. (2) HP Inc. and Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) campuses (Spring/Springwoods Village corridor): HP's legacy Houston campus in Spring houses several thousand employees in IT, global support, and hardware engineering functions. HPE has reduced its footprint post-spin-off but retains significant Spring-area employment. (3) Springwoods Village (mixed-use development near SH-99/I-45): a 2,000-acre master-planned mixed-use development that has attracted additional corporate tenants including ABS Group of Companies, and is home to multiple medical office buildings and retail. (4) Memorial Hermann Greater Heights / St. Luke's Health North Houston (Spring corridor): healthcare employment anchors at the suburban fringe.

What are security deposit rules in Spring TX?

Texas has no statutory security deposit cap. Texas Property Code §92.102 permits Spring landlords to require any deposit amount the parties agree upon in the lease. Market practice in Spring is 1–2 months' rent (approximately $1,200–$3,200 for typical Spring units). The return deadline is 30 days after surrender of possession (§92.103), with a written itemized statement of any deductions provided simultaneously. Wrongful withholding: bad-faith failure to return or itemize triggers $100 fixed penalty + 3× the amount wrongfully withheld + reasonable attorney fees under §92.109. Example: a $2,000 deposit wrongfully retained = $100 + $6,000 + attorney fees. Normal wear and tear cannot be deducted from the deposit, but Texas does not require the lease to use that exact phrase. Landlords in Spring who serve the Exxon/HPE employee segment should note that corporate relocation packages often include deposit assistance — these tenants are accustomed to professional lease administration and may challenge improper withholding aggressively.

Does being unincorporated affect lease requirements in Spring TX?

Spring's unincorporated status primarily means that landlords are governed by Texas state law (Texas Property Code, Texas Local Government Code) and Harris County regulations — not any city code. Key practical implications: (1) No city rental inspection programs — Houston and other incorporated cities have periodic rental unit inspection programs; Spring (being unincorporated) has no such program. Harris County Code Enforcement handles egregious health/safety violations but does not conduct routine rental inspections. (2) No city just-cause requirements — even post-1482 California or NYC-style local just-cause eviction requirements are impossible in unincorporated Harris County. Texas state law provides no just-cause requirement. (3) Property addresses may show 'Spring, TX' even though the area is unincorporated — tenants sometimes mistakenly believe there is a Spring city government. This occasionally creates confusion in lease disputes. (4) Harris County Flood Plain Management (not a city agency) administers FEMA floodplain maps for Spring properties — Spring Creek flooding is a significant property risk in portions of the Spring area and landlords should disclose known flood history as required by Tex. Prop. Code §92.0135. (5) Deed restrictions in Spring's numerous master-planned communities (Oak Forest, Wimbledon Champions, Spring Creek Oaks) may impose rental-approval or tenant-screening requirements separate from state law.

What tenant protections exist in unincorporated Spring TX?

Tenants in Spring are governed by Texas Property Code Chapter 92, the same framework applicable statewide. Key protections: Habitability (§§92.052–92.061): landlords must make diligent efforts to repair conditions materially affecting health or safety within 7 days of written notice (or sooner for emergency conditions). Tenants may terminate (with conditions), repair-and-deduct up to one month's rent, or seek injunctive relief. Security deposit (§§92.101–92.111): no cap, 30-day return deadline, bad-faith withholding = $100 + 3× + attorney fees. Retaliation prohibition (§92.331): 6-month presumption against landlord retaliation after a tenant exercises rights or files a complaint. Lockout prohibition (§92.0081): landlords may not change locks or remove property without lawful eviction; violations = actual damages + 1 month's rent + $1,000 + attorney fees. Domestic violence early termination (§92.3515): victims with qualifying documentation may terminate with 1 month's notice. Military early termination: SCRA §3955 (though Spring has no major military installation; Ellington Field / CTC Houston is the nearest NGB facility). Harris County Protective Services and Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (713-652-0077) provide tenant legal resources in the Spring area. Harris County 311 (713-755-5000) handles code enforcement complaints.

Spring TX Rent Increase 2026

Q: Does Spring TX have rent control in 2026?

No. Spring, Texas has no rent control and cannot have rent control for two independent reasons. First, Texas Local Government Code §214.902 expressly prohibits all Texas municipalities from adopting ordinances that control the amount of rent charged for residential rental property. This statewide preemption applies to every Texas city and town regardless of population or charter type. Second — and critically — Spring is not an incorporated city at all. Spring is an unincorporated community in Harris County with no municipal government, no city charter, and no city ordinances of any kind. There is no Mayor of Spring, no Spring City Council, and no Spring municipal code. Harris County provides governmental services (roads, Sheriff's Office, JP courts) but Harris County also cannot enact rent control under Texas state law. As of 2026, Spring has an estimated community population of approximately 65,000–75,000 in the Census Designated Place (CDP), with the greater Spring area encompassing a much larger unincorporated zone along the Spring Creek watershed. Residents in zip codes 77373, 77379, 77380, 77381, 77382, 77383, 77386, 77388, and 77389 all have access to Harris County services; those in the 77380–77382 zone also border Montgomery County (The Woodlands area). Spring has no authority to enact rent stabilization, just-cause eviction requirements, or any form of residential price control.

No rent control — Texas §214.902 preemption — unincorporated Harris County — ExxonMobil campus (~10,000+ employees)

Quick Answer: Spring, Texas has no rent control and Texas Local Government Code §214.902 prohibits any Texas city from enacting one. Spring is also unincorporated Harris County — there is no Spring city government, no Spring city council, and no Spring city ordinances of any kind. Landlords may raise rent to any amount with 30 days’ written notice for month-to-month tenancies. No deposit cap; 30-day return deadline; 3-Day Notice to Vacate before filing in Harris County JP Court. The ExxonMobil corporate campus (~10,000+ employees) is Spring’s dominant rental demand anchor.

Rent Increase Rules: No Cap, No Limit

Spring landlords face zero regulatory ceiling on rent increases. Texas Local Government Code §214.902 expressly prohibits all Texas municipalities from adopting ordinances that control residential rent amounts. Even if Spring were an incorporated city, it could not enact rent control under Texas law. Since Spring is unincorporated, there is no city government that could even attempt such regulation — Harris County also cannot enact rent control under §214.902.

For month-to-month tenancies, Texas Property Code §91.001 requires one rental period’s written notice before a new rent amount takes effect — at minimum 30 days for monthly leases. For fixed-term leases, rent changes apply only at renewal. There is no notice threshold above which longer notice is required.

Spring’s rental market has been significantly reshaped since ExxonMobil relocated approximately 10,000–12,000 employees to its new campus at 1 ExxonMobil Way (Spring TX 77389) in 2015. The corporate campus effect amplified demand for professional-grade housing in the SH-99 / I-45 north corridor, driving construction of luxury apartment communities and single-family rental developments through 2022–2024. Market rents stabilized in 2025 as new supply caught up.

Rule	Spring TX (2026)	Authority
Rent increase cap	None — unlimited	Tex. Local Gov. Code §214.902
Notice (month-to-month)	30 days written	Tex. Prop. Code §91.001
Security deposit cap	None	Tex. Prop. Code §92.102
Deposit return deadline	30 days after surrender	Tex. Prop. Code §92.103
Wrongful withholding penalty	$100 + 3× withheld + attorney fees	Tex. Prop. Code §92.109
Non-payment eviction notice	3-Day Notice to Vacate	Tex. Prop. Code §24.005
Eviction court	Harris County JP Court (Precinct varies)	Tex. Prop. Code Ch. 24
City government	None — unincorporated Harris County	Harris County

Spring Is Unincorporated: What This Means for Landlords

Spring’s unincorporated status is one of the most frequently misunderstood aspects of the Spring rental market. There is no City of Spring, Texas. Spring is a Census Designated Place (CDP) within unincorporated Harris County. Key implications for landlords and tenants:

No city ordinances: Spring has no municipal code, no city rental inspection program, no city business licensing for landlords, and no city tenant-services department. Harris County Code Enforcement (713-274-3980) handles property maintenance and public health violations, but does not conduct routine rental inspections.

Address confusion: Properties with “Spring, TX” addresses are in unincorporated Harris County. Some adjacent areas with Spring mailing addresses may actually be within incorporated city limits of Klein, Tomball, or near Montgomery County (The Woodlands area). Landlords should verify the precise property location (county parcel records at hcad.org) before selecting the correct JP Court precinct for an eviction filing.

Harris County Commissioner Precinct 4 (historically the north Harris County commissioner precinct) provides county-level services to the Spring area including road maintenance, parks, and flood control. The Harris County Flood Control District (hcfcd.org) is the relevant agency for Spring Creek and Cypress Creek floodplain matters, which affect a significant minority of Spring residential properties.

Flooding disclosure: Texas Property Code §92.0135 requires landlords to disclose in the lease whether the landlord is aware that the unit has flooded in the preceding 5 years. Spring properties along Spring Creek and its tributaries have a materially elevated flood risk; landlords of flood-zone properties must include this disclosure or risk lease voidability claims.

ExxonMobil Campus: Spring’s Rental Market Anchor

The ExxonMobil Houston Campus at 1 ExxonMobil Way, Spring TX 77389 is the defining feature of the Spring rental market. ExxonMobil relocated approximately 10,000–12,000 employees from its former downtown Houston Tower complex to this 385-acre suburban campus between 2015 and 2017. The campus includes multiple office buildings, a full amenity package, and direct access to SH-99 (Grand Parkway) for suburban commuting.

ExxonMobil’s workforce concentration in Spring creates a high-wage professional-tenant segment. The median ExxonMobil employee compensation in engineering and corporate functions significantly exceeds the Houston metro median; these tenants typically seek 1BR and 2BR units in the $1,400–$2,200 range and prioritize proximity to the SH-99 corridor. The employer’s global rotation of engineering staff also generates a steady international tenant segment (Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Norway, Netherlands, Australia rotational employees) who may require shorter-term furnished accommodations.

Springwoods Village (2,000-acre master-planned development at SH-99/I-45) was developed specifically to serve the ExxonMobil and corporate campus employment corridor. It now houses additional employers including ABS Group, CenterPoint Energy operations, and multiple medical office users.

2026 Rent Ranges by Submarket

Submarket / Area	1BR	2BR	3BR SFH
Springwoods Village / ExxonMobil campus corridor	$1,450–$1,900	$1,850–$2,400	$2,400–$3,200
Spring Creek / Klein area (east of I-45)	$1,200–$1,600	$1,500–$2,000	$1,900–$2,700
FM 2920 / SH 249 corridor (northwest Spring)	$1,100–$1,500	$1,400–$1,900	$1,800–$2,500
Old Spring / I-45 frontage (established)	$950–$1,300	$1,200–$1,600	$1,500–$2,100
Woodlands-adjacent (77381/77382 zip codes)	$1,300–$1,750	$1,700–$2,200	$2,100–$3,000

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Spring TX an incorporated city?

No. Spring is an unincorporated community within Harris County. There is no City of Spring, no Spring city council, and no Spring city ordinances. Harris County provides governmental services (road maintenance, Sheriff, JP courts) but there is no Spring municipal government. This means no city rental inspection program, no city landlord licensing, and no city tenant-services agency.

Does Spring TX have rent control in 2026?

No. Texas Local Government Code §214.902 prohibits all Texas municipalities from enacting rent control. Even if Spring were incorporated, it could not enact rent control. As an unincorporated area, there is no local government body that could even propose such regulation. Harris County also cannot enact rent control under Texas state law.

Which JP Court handles Spring TX evictions?

Harris County JP Courts, precinct determined by the property address. Much of the Spring area falls in JP Precinct 4. Landlords should call the Harris County Justice of the Peace hotline at (713) 755-6358 or visit the HCJP website to confirm the correct precinct for the property zip code before filing. After the 3-Day Notice to Vacate, file a Forcible Entry and Detainer (FED) petition at the correct JP Court. Filing fee approximately $100–$135; hearing within 10 days by statute.

Do I need to disclose flood risk in Spring TX?

Yes, if applicable. Texas Property Code §92.0135 requires landlords to disclose in the lease whether the unit has flooded in the preceding 5 years. Spring has significant flood-zone properties along Spring Creek, Little Cypress Creek, and Cypress Creek tributaries. Landlords in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas (flood zones A or AE) should review their FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map and include the required disclosure. Non-disclosure of known flood history may expose the landlord to lease voidability claims.

What is the security deposit rule for Spring TX?

Texas has no security deposit cap (§92.102). The deposit must be returned within 30 days of surrender with written itemization of any deductions (§92.103). Bad-faith wrongful withholding triggers $100 + 3× the amount withheld + attorney fees (§92.109). Normal wear and tear is not a valid deduction basis. Market practice in Spring is 1–2 months' rent (approximately $1,200–$3,200 for typical units).

Related Resources

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Katy TX rent increase 2026 — west Houston suburb, Harris/Fort Bend/Waller County
Pearland TX rent increase 2026 — south Houston, Brazoria County
Sugar Land TX rent increase 2026 — Fort Bend County, southwest Houston

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