Tex. Prop. Code Ann. §§ 92.001–92.355 § 92.163
REMOVAL OR ALTERATION OF SECURITY DEVICE BY TENANT.
Operative Text
Sec. 92.163. REMOVAL OR ALTERATION OF SECURITY DEVICE BY TENANT. A security device that is installed, changed, or rekeyed under this subchapter becomes a fixture of the dwelling. Except as provided by Section 92.164(a)(1) or 92.165(1) regarding the remedy of repair-and-deduct, a tenant may not remove, change, rekey, replace, or alter a security device or have it removed, changed, rekeyed, replaced, or altered without permission of the landlord. Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 357, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Under Texas Property Code § 92.163, once a security device—such as a lock or deadbolt—is installed, changed, or rekeyed under the relevant subchapter, it legally becomes a permanent fixture of the dwelling. As a general rule, neither the tenant nor anyone acting on the tenant's behalf may remove, change, rekey, replace, or otherwise alter that device without the landlord's permission. Two narrow exceptions exist: the repair-and-deduct remedies described in Sections 92.164(a)(1) and 92.165(1) can, under specific circumstances, allow a tenant to take action regarding a security device.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 92.163, security devices that have been installed, changed, or rekeyed pursuant to the subchapter are treated as fixtures belonging to the dwelling—not removable tenant property. Compliant operators typically document the condition and configuration of all security devices at move-in and move-out, and maintain clear written records of any permission granted to a tenant to alter or rekey a device. Landlords generally also familiarize themselves with the repair-and-deduct exceptions in §§ 92.164(a)(1) and 92.165(1), which represent the limited circumstances under which a tenant may act on a security device without prior landlord approval.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Texas Property Code § 92.163 establishes that security devices installed or rekeyed under the subchapter become fixtures of the dwelling, meaning tenants generally cannot remove, change, rekey, or replace them without the landlord's permission. However, the law does carve out limited exceptions through the repair-and-deduct remedies found in §§ 92.164(a)(1) and 92.165(1), which may be relevant if a landlord has failed to fulfill certain security-device obligations. Tenants who believe their rights regarding security devices have been affected may wish to review those related provisions, consult a tenant-rights organization, or seek guidance from a licensed Texas attorney.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 28, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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