Tex. Prop. Code Ann. §§ 92.001–92.355 § 92.170
EFFECT ON OTHER LANDLORD DUTIES AND TENANT REMEDIES.
Operative Text
Sec. 92.170. EFFECT ON OTHER LANDLORD DUTIES AND TENANT REMEDIES. The duties of a landlord and the remedies of a tenant under this subchapter are in lieu of common law, other statutory law, and local ordinances relating to a residential landlord's duty to install, change, rekey, repair, or replace security devices and a tenant's remedies for the landlord's failure to install, change, rekey, repair, or replace security devices, except that a municipal ordinance adopted before January 1, 1993, may require installation of security devices at the landlord's expense by an earlier date than a date required by this subchapter. This subchapter does not affect a duty of a landlord or a remedy of a tenant under Subchapter B regarding habitability. Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 357, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1993. SUBCHAPTER E. DISCLOSURE OF OWNERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT
Section 92.170 of the Texas Property Code establishes that the rules in this subchapter — covering a landlord's obligations to install, change, rekey, repair, or replace security devices — serve as the exclusive legal framework on that subject, replacing common law, other statutes, and local ordinances. One narrow exception exists: a municipal ordinance adopted before January 1, 1993, may impose an earlier compliance deadline than the subchapter requires. Separately, this section clarifies that the subchapter does not disturb any landlord duties or tenant remedies related to habitability under Subchapter B.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 92.170, property owners and managers operating in Texas should understand that the security-device obligations set out in this subchapter — covering installation, rekeying, repair, and replacement — are the governing standard, displacing most other legal sources on that topic. The one exception is a pre-1993 municipal ordinance that may impose an earlier deadline, so operators in older municipalities may want to verify whether any such local rule applies. Habitability obligations under Subchapter B remain fully intact and are not affected by this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 92.170 means that a tenant's rights regarding security devices — such as locks, latches, and related hardware — are defined by this subchapter of the Texas Property Code, not by older common-law theories or most local ordinances. Tenants should be aware that their remedies for a landlord's failure to install, change, rekey, repair, or replace security devices are governed by this subchapter, while separate habitability rights under Subchapter B remain available and unaffected. Tenants who believe their rights under § 92.170 have been violated may consider consulting a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider to understand the remedies available under this framework.
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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