Top Violations of the Texas Property Code by Rental Property Owners

Top Violations of the Texas Property Code by Rental Property Owners

We manage several hundred rental homes in Central Texas, and we have viewed several thousand rental properties. Here’s a list of the top violations of the Texas Property Code that we see here in Central Texas. Is your property in compliance?

• Door Locks – The Texas Property Code requires all exterior doors to be equipped with a keyless deadbolt and a peep hole viewer (unless the door has a window). A keyless deadbolt is a deadbolt lock that can be locked from the inside of the home and does not have a keyed entry from the exterior. This allows a tenant to lock themselves into the home and the door cannot be unlocked from the exterior. Sliding glass patio doors require a Charlie Bar or pin lock to prevent the door from sliding open when the locks are engaged. The door leading from the house into the garage is considered an exterior door and needs to comply with the Texas Property Code. Also, the Texas Property Code requires all exterior door locks to be changed or rekeyed between tenants. Be sure to complete this before a new tenant moves into the property. You never know if the previous tenant made copies or who has them.
• Window Coverings – This is probably the most overlooked item by rental property owners in Texas. The Texas Property Code requires all rental properties to have window coverings supplied by the owner. We recommend installing blinds on all windows. Vinyl blinds are inexpensive and easy to install. Upgrading to a 2” faux wood blind will appeal to more tenants and help a vacant property lease quicker.
• Smoke Detectors – The Texas Property Code changed in January 2013. Smoke detectors are now required in each bedroom of a rental property. The code previously allowed for a smoke detector to be installed in the hallway outside of the bedroom door. We have seen several rental properties recently that are still not in compliance. It is important to inspect all of your properties to make sure that they comply.

It is extremely important as a rental property owner or manager in Texas to ensure that your rental properties are in compliance with the Texas Property Code. Not doing so, can set you up for legal liability and could possibly allow the tenant to legally terminate the lease. If there is a fire and smoke detectors are not up to code, could you be held legally liable for a death on the property? If the locks aren’t changed or up to code, and a crime is committed on the property, could you be held legally liable? If the tenant requests window blinds or coverings, and you do not install them, can the tenant legally terminate the lease?  These are all viable scenarios. Take care of these items upfront to protect yourself and your tenants.