Texas lists the locks a rental must have, when they must be re-keyed and who pays. Property Code §92.153 requires, without request: a window latch on each exterior window; a doorknob lock or keyed deadbolt on each exterior door; a sliding-door pin lock and a handle latch or security bar on each exterior sliding glass door; and a keyless bolting device and a door viewer on each exterior door. §92.156 requires re-keying “not later than the seventh day after each tenant turnover date,” at the landlord’s expense, with further re-keying at the tenant’s expense on request. These duties cannot be waived (§92.006(a)); a tenant may install or re-key and deduct the cost, or terminate, if the landlord does not comply (§92.164).
The devices
| Opening | Required | Height and throw (§92.154) |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior window | Window latch | — |
| Exterior door (hinged) | Doorknob lock or keyed deadbolt; keyless bolting device; door viewer | Keyless bolt and deadbolt 36–48 inches from the floor; deadbolt throw of one inch or more; strike plate screwed into the jamb; viewer at a height the ordinary tenant can use |
| Exterior sliding glass door | Pin lock, plus handle latch or security bar | — |
| French doors | One leaf as above; the other with the bolts §92.153(b) describes | Throw of one inch (keyed) or three-quarters inch (edge bolts) |
Re-keying and requests
- Re-key every keyed device within seven days of turnover; record the date per unit (§92.156(a)).
- Re-key again whenever the tenant asks, at the tenant’s expense; the tenant may ask any number of times (§92.156(b)).
- Install a keyed deadbolt or a sliding-door latch or bar when the tenant requests one, at the tenant’s expense (§92.157).
- Repair or replace a device on the tenant’s notice within a reasonable time — seven days presumed (§92.158, §92.161).
- Charge the tenant for a repair only where an underlined lease clause allows it and the damage was the tenant’s (§92.162); never for normal wear.
Locks the landlord may not use
Changing the locks on a delinquent tenant is allowed only under the §92.0081 procedure — a written notice on the front door with a 24-hour location or number to get the new key — and the tenant is entitled to the key regardless of payment; removing a lock, door or window for any reason other than bona fide repair is prohibited. A landlord who violates the lockout rules owes the tenant one month’s rent plus $1,000, actual damages and fees, and the tenant may recover possession.
Frequently asked questions
When must a Texas landlord re-key?
Within seven days after each tenant turnover, at the landlord’s expense; and at any time the tenant requests it, at the tenant’s expense (Property Code §92.156).
What locks does a Texas rental need?
Window latches, a doorknob lock or keyed deadbolt plus a keyless bolting device and a door viewer on each exterior door, and a pin lock plus a handle latch or security bar on each sliding glass door (Property Code §92.153).
Can the tenant be charged for lock repairs?
Only under an underlined lease clause and only where the damage was caused by the tenant, household or guests; normal wear is never chargeable (Property Code §92.162).
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.