What Are the Legal Requirements for a Landlord to Change Locks in Texas?
Quick Answer (Texas & DFW): Landlords must rekey or change all key-operated locks by the 7th day after each new tenant moves in, and at the landlord’s expense. Texas law also requires specific security devices like a keyed deadbolt, keyless interior bolt, and a door viewer. (Texas Property Code, Subchapter D)
Who This Applies To in Dallas–Fort Worth
These rules apply to apartments, rental homes, duplexes, and townhomes across the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex, including Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Plano, Garland, Richardson, Coppell, Allen, Lewisville, and Burleson.
Lock & Security Requirements Under Texas Law
- Rekey by Day 7: A security device operated by a key, card, or combination must be rekeyed within 7 days of the tenant turnover date (move-in).
- Landlord Pays: The initial turnover rekeying is at the landlord’s expense.
- Required Devices (No Tenant Request Needed):
- Keyed deadbolt on each exterior door
- Keyless interior bolting device (thumb-turn) on each exterior door
- Door viewer (peephole) for doors without transparent glass
- Window latches and sliding-door pin locks where applicable
- During the Lease: Tenants may request additional rekeying; in most cases this is at the tenant’s expense.
DFW Landlords: Compliance Checklist
- Schedule rekeying immediately after every move-in (target Day 0–3 to comfortably meet the 7-day deadline).
- Verify devices on every exterior door: keyed deadbolt + keyless interior bolt + viewer.
- Document work (invoice, date, doors serviced) for liability protection.
- Respond quickly to tenant lock/repair requests and keep records of responses.
Tenant Rights in Texas
- If rekeying isn’t completed within 7 days of move-in, tenants may have statutory remedies after proper notice.
- Tenants can request rekeying any time during the lease (usually at tenant expense).
- Lockouts are tightly regulated; landlords can’t just change locks for nonpayment without following the statute and providing access procedures.
Note: This article is informational and not legal advice. For specific situations, consult an attorney.
Tenant rekey requests during the lease and cost responsibility are in §92.156(b); tenant remedies are outlined in §92.164
DFW Property Managers & Landlords: Need Fast, Compliant Rekeying?
Texas Master Locksmiths helps keep Dallas–Fort Worth rentals compliant with Texas Property Code requirements:
- Same-day or next-day turnover rekeying across DFW
- Master key systems for multi-unit properties
- Compliance inspections for deadbolts, keyless bolts, and viewers
- Secure, documented service for audits and risk reduction
Call: 972-914-9446 | Property Management Locksmith Services (DFW)
FAQs: Texas Landlord Lock Laws
Q: How soon must a landlord change or rekey locks in Texas?
A: By the 7th day after the tenant moves in.
Q: Who pays for the initial rekeying?
A: The landlord pays for rekeying after tenant turnover.
Q: What if my landlord doesn’t rekey within 7 days?
A: After proper notice, tenants may have statutory remedies under the Texas Property Code. Consider documenting communications and consulting counsel.
Q: Can I request rekeying during my lease?
A: Yes. Landlords must perform additional rekeying upon request, typically at the tenant’s expense.
Q: What security devices are required without a tenant request?
A: A keyed deadbolt, a keyless interior bolting device, and a door viewer (plus window/slider latches where applicable).
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