Tex. Loc. Gov't Code Ann. ch. 214 (subchs. A, B, C, G, H, I, Z) § 214.231
DEFINITIONS.
Operative Text
Sec. 214.231. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:(1) "Building" means any enclosed structure designed for use as a habitation or for a commercial use, including engaging in trade or manufacture.(2) "Owner" means the person that owns the real property on which a building is situated, according to:(A) the real property records of the county in which the property is located; or(B) the records of the appraisal district in which the property is located.(3) "Unit" means an enclosed area designed:(A) for habitation by a single family; or(B) for a commercial use, including engaging in trade or manufacture, by a tenant. Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1157 (H.B. 3065), Sec. 1, eff. January 1, 2010.
Section 214.231 establishes the working definitions that apply throughout its subchapter of the Texas Local Government Code. A "building" covers any enclosed structure intended for residential habitation or commercial activity, while an "owner" is identified by reference to county real property records or appraisal district records. A "unit" is defined as an enclosed area meant either for a single family to live in or for a commercial tenant to conduct business.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Sec. 214.231, a property owner is legally identified through county real property records or appraisal district records, so operators generally keep those records current and accurate to ensure they are properly recognized as the responsible party under this subchapter. Because the definition of "building" and "unit" is broad enough to cover both residential and commercial enclosed structures, owners of mixed-use properties should be aware that obligations arising from this subchapter may apply across all such spaces. Maintaining clear documentation of ownership and property use helps establish compliance with provisions that rely on these foundational definitions.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Sec. 214.231 defines the scope of who and what is covered by this subchapter, which can be relevant to tenants in both residential and commercial settings. Because "owner" is tied specifically to official county or appraisal district records, tenants who need to identify the legally responsible party for a property may find those public records a useful starting point. Tenant-rights organizations or local housing authorities can help explain how these definitions interact with any substantive rights or obligations that arise elsewhere in the subchapter.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 28, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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