Sell Your House in Roanoke, Texas

Confirm your county first

Roanoke had an estimated 10,895 residents in 2024 (U.S. Census Bureau). Census data put the city mostly in Denton County, with a minor part in Tarrant County. Because a few addresses may sit on the Tarrant side, start by confirming your county: your appraisal notice comes from Denton Central Appraisal District or from the Tarrant Appraisal District, and you can search your address on DCAD first and TAD second if the notice is lost.

Roanoke's ten-inch grass rule and what an unpaid mowing bill becomes

Roanoke draws its line for yard height at ten inches. Section 6.101 of the city's property maintenance article makes it unlawful to let grass, weeds or uncultivated plants average more than ten inches, whether the lot is occupied or vacant, and that includes the strip between the property line and the curb.

The enforcement steps in the same section work like this. The Building Official can send a certified or registered letter to the owner's last known address on the City tax rolls, and the City only has to give that notice two times in a calendar year. At least ten days after a notice, the City can enter, mow and clear the lot, including stumps that get in the way, and it can come back as often as needed that year without another letter. The owner is billed for the work plus an administrative fee.

If the bill is not paid within 30 days, the City may file a lien signed by the Mayor in the Deed Records of Denton County. The lien carries 8% annual interest, and the City may sue to foreclose it. The section also makes a violation a misdemeanor with a fine of up to $200, each day a separate offense, and says that fine is in lieu of the other charges it lists.

For an owner who lives elsewhere, the address on the tax rolls is where that letter goes, so make sure the mailing address on your tax account is current.

Trash carts, debris, vehicles and fences

The city's Code Enforcement page, published in English and Spanish, lists the other violations officers see most often:

• Trash carts stay behind the front building line except on collection days, with lids closed. The code adds that carts and bulk items cannot go to the curb before 4:00 p.m. the day before pickup and must be pulled back by 7:00 a.m. the day after.
• Litter, junk and debris are not allowed to sit on a lot: all properties must remain free of them.
• Vehicles must run and carry current registration, or be removed or kept in an enclosed structure.
• Fences must be kept free of damage, deterioration and unauthorized graffiti, and broken parts must be replaced with matching materials within 10 days of a notice.

Reports go to the Senior Code Enforcement Officer at 682-549-1384.

Landlords: notice to vacate and the right court

Some Roanoke owners are landlords who want out after a lease ends badly. Under Property Code 24.005, a tenant who defaults or holds over generally gets at least three days' written notice to vacate before the landlord files, unless a written lease sets a shorter or longer period. Section 24.0041 sends the case to the justice precinct where the property is located.

For a Denton County address, the county's precinct search page points you to its Landmark map to find the right precinct. If your rental turns out to be on the Tarrant side, Tarrant County's justice of the peace courts handle it. Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas has a Denton office for people who qualify for free legal help. Our post on vacant rental risks covers what to watch once the tenant is gone.

Selling your Roanoke house to Cash Home Advisors

You can sell as-is without making repairs first. We pay all closing costs, and we can close in 7–14 days. Se habla español.

To get started, request an offer or read how it works. If you are weighing a listing instead, our post on how long it takes to sell a house in DFW may help you compare.

Local offices for this area

• City of Roanoke Code Enforcement
• Roanoke Code of Ordinances: Property Maintenance
• Denton Central Appraisal District
• Denton County Clerk, Recording Division
• Denton County Justice of the Peace precinct search
• Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas, Denton office

ZIP codes we buy in: 76262