State's establish laws that pertain to rental/lease agreements and landlord/renter issues. Contacting your state housing authority should help you obtain the information you need.
See: Title 18 Property Chapter 16 Landlord and Tenant and Chapter 17 Arkansas Residential Landlord -- Tenant Act of 2007http://www.lexisnexis.com/hottopics/arcode/default.asp
Each county in Texas has different rules regarding the forcible detainer (eviction) process. Contact the Justice of the Peace for the precinct that covers your rental property and speak with a civil...