[TX] What is the best lease to use to rent out a room instead of a whole house?

TX Landlord-Tenant

I’m unsure if the form I generated sets it up as renting the whole house, but the tenant is only renting one room with assigned parking.

January 8, 2026

TJ, Esq.

17,778 satisfied customers

View context

Solved

In Texas, courts first look at the written lease itself (Texas Property Code § 91.001). If the lease states the tenant is renting the whole house, that could create a problem even if you intended to rent only one room.

If the lease is unclear, a court may consider outside factors, such as whether the tenant only has access to one room, uses common areas, or pays reduced rent consistent with a room rental.

To avoid disputes, you could:

Add a written lease addendum clarifying that only one room is rented (Texas Property Code § 91.005)
Replace the lease entirely with a clearer agreement
Discuss the issue with the tenant and confirm mutual understanding

Any addendum or new agreement must be signed by the tenant.

Texas Residential Lease Agreement Form

Create Document

Full Conversation

Just to make sure—is my lease agreement for the whole house or just a room?

Lexi, Chatbot

I understand how important it is to clarify the terms of your lease agreement. Do you have a written lease document?

I don’t know.

Lexi, Chatbot

Have you discussed the lease details with your landlord or property manager?

I’m the owner.

Lexi, Chatbot

Is there anything else the lawyer should know before I connect you?

Nothing.

TJ, Esq.

Hi! I’m TJ, an attorney. Thanks for reaching out. I’ll help clarify this for you. As the owner, the lease agreement is the contract you have created with the tenant. The lease terms determine whether the rental is for the whole house or just a room. If there’s no written lease, courts may rely on the oral agreement and how the property is actually used.

Do you currently have a written lease, or are you unsure of what the lease you created says? Also, what state is the property in?

I’m unsure if the form I generated sets it up as renting the whole house, but the tenant is only renting one room with assigned parking.

TJ, Esq.

Thanks for clarifying. If the lease language is unclear, a court may look at factors like how the property is used, access to rooms, and the rent amount. You could also use an addendum or a separate parking agreement to clarify the terms. Can you tell me exactly what the form says about the rental space?

Houston, Texas — Harris County.

TJ, Esq.

If the lease is unclear, a court may consider outside factors, such as whether the tenant only has access to one room, uses common areas, or pays reduced rent consistent with a room rental.

To avoid disputes, you could:

Add a written lease addendum clarifying that only one room is rented (Texas Property Code § 91.005)
Replace the lease entirely with a clearer agreement
Discuss the issue with the tenant and confirm mutual understanding

Any addendum or new agreement must be signed by the tenant.

What’s the best form or document to use to prevent any issues?

TJ, Esq.

There’s no single perfect form, but the best option here is a Texas-specific Room Rental Agreement. A room rental agreement clearly states:

Which bedroom is rented
Which areas are shared
House rules for shared living
Assigned parking details

This type of agreement is designed for exactly your situation and helps prevent misunderstandings. You’ll want the tenant to sign it to replace the current lease.

TJ, Esq.

17,778 satisfied customers

Welcome! Have a similar question?

12 lawyers online now

N Cal Atty

4.67 (7,831)

[VA] Can I evict someone with no lease after only one week of occupancy?

Answered 4 days ago

Jon

4.77 (556)

[KS] Can a landlord terminate a lease for domestic violence and animal cruelty?

Answered 5 days ago

Andres Sanchez

Attorney

4.73 (22,292)

[VA] Can my landlord deduct from my deposit for improper drywall repairs?

Answered 6 days ago

Disclaimer

By messaging AskaLawyer.com, you agree to our Terms and have read our Privacy Policy.

The information provided on AskaLawyer.com is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the information presented, we make no guarantees regarding its completeness or applicability to your specific circumstances.

Use of this website does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and AskaLawyer.com or any of its attorneys. Communications through this website, including any responses from attorneys, are not privileged or confidential. For advice tailored to your individual situation, we recommend consulting a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.

AskaLawyer.com disclaims any liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this site. We are not responsible for any third-party content that may be accessed through this website. Reliance on any information provided herein is solely at your own risk.