The Texas Security Device Statute guarantees a tenant’s right to certain types of security devices. All rental housing owners need to be in compliance with the statute.

The statute applies to owners of apartments, cooperatives, condominium units, duplexes, garage apartments, houses, mobile homes, public housing projects, rooms in private dormitories, townhouses, triplexes, and other types of dwellings that are rented.

The statute does not apply to a room in a hotel, inn, motel or similar transient housing, residential housing owned and operated by a private or public college or university, the residential building operated by preparatory schools, and a temporary residential tenancy.

The landlord needs to install the following security devices without the necessity of tenant request:

• Window Latch – A window latch for each window (exterior
• Doorknob Lock – Doorknob lock for each door (exterior).
• Sliding Door Pin Lock – A sliding door pin lock for each sliding door (exterior).
• Sliding Door Security Bar – Sliding door security bar for each sliding glass door (exterior).
• Door Viewer or Keyless Bolting Device – A door viewer or keyless bolting device for each door (exterior).

 

Height, Strike Plate, and Throw Requirements – Keyless Bolting Device or Keyed Dead Bolt

The security devices must be installed at a height not lower than 36 inches from the floor. If it is installed before Sep 1, 1993, it should not be higher than 54 inches from the floor. If it is installed on or after Sep 1, 1993, it should not be higher than 48 inches from the floor.

 

Height Requirements – Sliding Door Security Devices

Sliding door security devices installed before Sep 1, 1993, should not be higher than 54 inches from the floor. If it is installed on or after Sep 1, 1993, it should not be higher than 48 inches from the floor.

 

Change or Rekeying of Security Devices

Security devices operated by a card, key or combination need to be rekeyed by the landlord. This should be done after each tenant turnover.

If the security device is in need of repair or replacement, it is the responsibility of the landlord to get it fixed. Security devices requested by the tenant are installed at tenant’s expense. The security devices need to be in operation when the tenant is in possession of the dwelling.

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