Tex. Prop. Code Ann. §§ 92.001–92.355 § 92.166
NOTICE OF TENANT'S DEDUCTION OF REPAIR COSTS FROM RENT.
Operative Text
Sec. 92.166. NOTICE OF TENANT'S DEDUCTION OF REPAIR COSTS FROM RENT. (a) A tenant shall notify the landlord of a rent deduction attributable to the tenant's installing, repairing, changing, replacing, or rekeying of a security device under Section 92.164(a)(1) or 92.165(1) after the landlord's failure to comply with this subchapter. The notice must be given at the time of the reduced rent payment.(b) Unless otherwise provided in a written lease, a tenant shall provide one duplicate of the key to any key-operated security device installed or rekeyed by the tenant under Section 92.164(a)(1) or 92.165(1) within a reasonable time after the landlord's written request for the key. Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 357, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Under Texas Property Code § 92.166, when a tenant deducts repair or installation costs for a security device from their rent payment—after a landlord has failed to meet their obligations under the relevant subchapter—the tenant is required to notify the landlord of that deduction at the same time the reduced payment is made. Additionally, if the tenant installs or rekeys a key-operated security device, they must provide the landlord with a duplicate key within a reasonable time if the landlord requests one in writing, unless a written lease says otherwise. This provision establishes a two-way accountability structure: tenants must communicate the basis for any rent reduction, and landlords retain access to key-operated devices on the property.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 92.166, compliant landlords who receive a reduced rent payment should look for accompanying written notice from the tenant explaining that the deduction covers security device installation, repair, replacement, or rekeying costs tied to the landlord's failure to comply with the security device subchapter. If a tenant has installed or rekeyed a key-operated device, operators generally submit a written request for a duplicate key, which the tenant is then obligated to provide within a reasonable time. Keeping records of all communications—including rent payments, notices, and key requests—supports clear documentation of compliance on both sides.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 92.166 of the Texas Property Code gives tenants who exercise their right to deduct security device costs from rent a corresponding obligation: the notice of that deduction must accompany the reduced payment itself, not arrive later. Tenants who install or rekey a key-operated security device should also be aware that a landlord's written request for a duplicate key triggers a duty to provide one within a reasonable time, unless the lease specifies otherwise. Tenants with questions about how these notice and key-sharing requirements interact with their specific lease terms may benefit from consulting a local tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider familiar with Texas property law.
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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