This section defines key terms used in the chapter, including dwelling, landlord, lease, normal wear and tear, premises, and tenant.
Sec. 92.001. DEFINITIONS. Except as otherwise provided by this chapter, in this chapter: (1) "Dwelling" means one or more rooms rented for use as a permanent residence under a single lease to one or more tenants. (2) "Landlord" means the owner, lessor, or sublessor of a dwelling, but does not include a manager or agent of the landlord unless the manager or agent purports to be the owner, lessor, or sublessor in an oral or written lease. (3) "Lease" means any written or oral agreement between a landlord and tenant that establishes or modifies the terms, conditions, rules, or other provisions regarding the use and occupancy of a dwelling. (4) "Normal wear and tear" means deterioration that results from the intended use of a dwelling, including, for the purposes of Subchapters B and D, breakage or malfunction due to age or deteriorated condition, but the term does not include deterioration that results from negligence, carelessness, accident, or abuse of the premises, equipment, or chattels by the tenant, by a member of the tenant's household, or by a guest or invitee of the tenant. (5) "Premises" means a tenant's rental unit, any area or facility the lease authorizes the tenant to use, and the appurtenances, grounds, and facilities held out for the use of tenants generally. (6) "Tenant" means a person who is authorized by a lease to occupy a dwelling to the exclusion of others and, for the purposes of Subchapters D, E, and F, who is obligated under the lease to pay rent. Acts 1983, 68th Leg., p. 3630, ch. 576, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1984. Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 48, Sec. 12, eff. Sept. 1, 1993; Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 357, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.