tenant's rights under TX landlord tenant act, can landlord require tenant to buy renters liability insurance

I am not a Texas lawyer, however perhaps the statute is not at issue. Does your contract reuire you tio buy such insurance? Actually, its fairly inexpensive and may protect you from liability.

CLT

I am familiar with Texas law in this area and I do not think a requirement to purchase insurance violates any law. As long as a landlord is not illegally discriminating (e.g., on the basis of race, color, religion, etc.) or retaliating, then a landlord can require just about anything he wants. If a tenant wants to lease from him with that condition, then that is their option. I believe it is a good idea for tenants to have insurance, but many do not because of the cost.