Can Your Landlord Shut Off Your Lights in Texas? Know Your Rights

Your landlord just threatened to cut your lights. Maybe you’re behind on rent. Maybe there’s a dispute about the lease. Maybe they want you out and they’re looking for leverage.

Here’s the short answer: No. In Texas, your landlord cannot legally shut off your lights to force you out. This is called “self-help eviction” and it’s illegal under Texas Property Code § 92.008.

But knowing the law and getting someone to follow it are different things. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself.

What Texas Law Actually Says

Texas Property Code § 92.008 is clear. A landlord cannot interrupt or cause the interruption of water, wastewater, gas, or electric service to a tenant unless:

• It’s for a legitimate repair or construction project
• There’s an emergency that requires it
• The interruption is temporary and reasonable

That’s it. Those are the only legal reasons.

“You owe me rent” is not on that list. “I want you to move out” is not on that list. “We had a disagreement” is not on that list.

If your landlord shuts off your lights to pressure you, punish you, or force you to leave, they’ve broken the law. Period.

Why Landlords Try This Anyway

Some landlords figure it’s easier to flip a breaker than go through a formal eviction. They’re hoping you don’t know your rights. They’re betting you’ll just leave.

Here’s what they don’t want you to know: the penalty for illegal utility shutoffs in Texas is one month’s rent plus $1,000, plus your actual damages, plus court costs, plus attorney’s fees. And you can terminate your lease and move out without penalty if they do it.

That’s not a typo. The landlord who cuts your lights to avoid paying a lawyer for an eviction can end up paying a lot more than that eviction would have cost.

The Exception: Master-Metered Buildings

There’s one scenario where this gets complicated. If your building has a master meter — meaning there’s one light meter for the whole building and the landlord pays the bill, then charges tenants — the rules are slightly different.

In a master-metered setup, the landlord can interrupt service for non-payment to them, but only if they follow very specific rules:

1. They must give you written notice that you’re behind on your portion
2. They must give you at least 5 days to pay before any shutoff
3. They cannot shut off service if the temperature is forecast to be below 32°F or above 90°F within 24 hours

If they skip any of those steps, it’s still illegal.

Most apartments in Texas are individually metered, meaning you have your own light account with a light company you choose. If that’s your situation, your landlord has no legal access to your service at all.

What To Do If Your Landlord Threatens to Cut Your Lights

Step 1: Document the threat

If they said it in writing (text, email, letter), save it. If they said it in person, write down what they said, when they said it, and who witnessed it. Email yourself the notes so you have a timestamp.

Documentation is everything if this goes to court.

Step 2: Tell them it’s illegal

Sometimes landlords genuinely don’t know the law. Sometimes they’re testing you. Either way, a direct response can stop this before it starts.

You can say something like: “I understand we have a disagreement, but shutting off utilities is illegal under Texas Property Code 92.008. If my service is interrupted, I will file for a Writ of Restoration and pursue damages, which include one month’s rent plus $1,000.”

Be calm. Be factual. Don’t escalate.

Step 3: Know your emergency option — the Writ of Restoration

If your landlord actually does cut your lights, Texas has a fast-track legal remedy called a Writ of Restoration. You file a sworn complaint with your local Justice of the Peace, and the court can order your landlord to restore utilities immediately — often within 24-48 hours.

You don’t need a lawyer for this. The filing fee is typically under $50. The JP court can force restoration and award you damages at the same time.

Step 4: Call for backup if needed

• PUCT Complaint Line: 1-888-782-8477 (if a light company is involved in the shutoff)
• Texas RioGrande Legal Aid: 1-888-988-9996 (free legal help for qualifying Texans)
• Local police: While some officers may say this is a “civil matter,” an illegal lockout or utility shutoff can be reported. Having a police report strengthens your case.

What About If You’re Behind on Rent?

Here’s the part landlords don’t want you to think about too hard: even if you owe rent, they cannot cut your lights.

The only legal path for a landlord to remove a tenant who owes money is through the formal eviction process. That means:

1. Giving you proper written notice to vacate (usually 3 days in Texas for non-payment)
2. Filing an eviction lawsuit if you don’t leave
3. Getting a court judgment
4. Having a constable execute the writ of possession

It’s a process. It takes time. But it’s the only legal process.

When a landlord skips all that and just cuts your power, they’ve committed an illegal self-help eviction. And that gives you leverage — including the right to sue for damages and potentially break your lease without penalty.

Your Rights Recap

Let’s be specific about what Texas law gives you:

Your Right	What It Means
One month’s rent + $1,000	Automatic penalty if your landlord illegally cuts utilities
Actual damages	Reimbursement for hotel stays, spoiled food, any other costs caused by the shutoff
Attorney’s fees and court costs	If you win, the landlord pays your legal expenses
Lease termination	You can end your lease and move out without penalty
Writ of Restoration	Emergency court order to get your lights back on fast

These aren’t theoretical. They’re enforceable. Courts in Texas take illegal utility shutoffs seriously because they put people in danger.

What If Your Lights Are Already Off?

First, figure out why. Did the light company disconnect you for non-payment on your own account? Or did your landlord cause the shutoff?

If it’s your light company: check out our guide on getting reconnected or see our full overview of your Texas electricity rights.

If it’s your landlord: document what happened, gather any evidence of their involvement, and head to your local Justice of the Peace to file for a Writ of Restoration. Time matters here — don’t wait.

If You Need Lights Right Now

Whether you’re dealing with a landlord dispute, a disconnection, or a move to a new place, you have options.

Prepaid light plans don’t require credit checks and often connect same-day. No deposit means you’re not putting up $200-$400 to get started. If you’re in crisis mode, that can make the difference between having power tonight or not.

Enter your ZIP code on our homepage to see what’s available at your address. Plans vary by area, and we’ll show you which ones work for your situation — including same-day options.

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Related reading:

• What Happens When Your Lights Get Cut Off in Texas
• Got a Disconnect Notice? How Long Before They Actually Cut You Off
• How to Get Your Lights On After an Eviction in Texas

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This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For official rules, visit the Public Utility Commission of Texas or consult a licensed Texas attorney. NoDepositLights.com is powered by Compare Power (PUCT License BR190020).