Every key, remote, fob and code is issued on a signed sheet at move-in and recovered on the same sheet at move-out, because Texas ties the locks to statute. Property Code §92.156 requires the landlord to re-key every keyed device within seven days of each tenant turnover, at the landlord’s expense, so an unreturned key is a cost the landlord bears — except that a tenant who vacates in breach of a written lease may be charged the reasonable re-keying cost from the deposit (§92.156(e)). A landlord may never use the keys to exclude the tenant: §92.0081 permits a lock change on a delinquent tenant only with a written notice on the door and 24-hour access to the new key.
The handover sheet
| Item | Issued (date, count) | Returned (date, count) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front door keys | Re-keyed on [date] under §92.156 | ||
| Other exterior doors | |||
| Mailbox key | Postal lock: replacement through the post office where applicable | ||
| Garage remote / gate remote | Battery; code | ||
| Electronic lock or gate code | Code set on [date] | Code changed on [date] | Codes changed at every turnover |
| Amenity fobs (pool, gym) | Complex rules | ||
| Smart-lock app access | Granted [date] | Revoked [date] | Landlord retains admin; tenant’s code deleted |
Codes and smart locks
- Change every code at turnover the same day the keys are returned; a code is a key under §92.151’s definition of a security device operated by a “key, card, or combination.”
- Give the tenant the ability to change a keypad code during the tenancy and record that they may; a landlord who keeps a working code has the duty to use it only for emergencies or as the lease allows.
- Keep the administrative credentials for a smart lock with the owner, not a departing manager; log who holds them.
- Battery failure on an electronic lock is a security-device repair on the §92.158 clock.
Lost keys during the tenancy
A tenant may request re-keying at any time and any number of times at the tenant’s expense (§92.156(b)); a lost key is the ordinary case. Do the work promptly, charge the actual cost, and record the new key count on the sheet.
Frequently asked questions
Who pays to re-key between tenants in Texas?
The landlord, within seven days of each turnover; a tenant who vacated in breach of a written lease may be charged the reasonable cost from the deposit (Property Code §92.156).
Can the landlord keep a key or code to the unit?
Yes, for emergencies and the entry the lease allows; it may never be used to exclude the tenant except by judicial process or the §92.0081 lock-change procedure (Property Code §92.0081).
Does a keypad code count as a lock?
A device operated by a key, card or combination is a security device under Subchapter D, so codes are changed at turnover like keys (Property Code §92.151).
Sources
Rules change and the right answer can depend on the home, the city, the lease and the timing. These are the official pages this guide relies on; check them before signing, charging a fee, sending a notice or making a legal decision.
- Texas Property Code, Chapter 92 — Residential Tenancies ↗
- Texas State Law Library — Landlord/Tenant Law research guide ↗
- Texas State Law Library — Lockouts ↗
General information for U.S. landlords, with a Texas focus. This guide is not legal, tax or accounting advice. Consult a qualified professional for your situation. Written by the rentalfreelease.com Editorial Team; last reviewed September 19, 2026.