Tex. Prop. Code Ann. §§ 92.001–92.355 § 92.2571
ALTERNATIVE COMPLIANCE.
Operative Text
Sec. 92.2571. ALTERNATIVE COMPLIANCE. A landlord complies with the requirements of this subchapter relating to the provision of smoke alarms in the dwelling unit if the landlord:(1) has a fire detection device, as defined by Section 6002.002, Insurance Code, that includes a fire alarm device, as defined by Section 6002.002, Insurance Code, installed in a dwelling unit; or(2) for a dwelling unit that is a one-family or two-family dwelling unit, installs smoke detectors in compliance with Chapter 766, Health and Safety Code. Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1051 (H.B. 2118), Sec. 12, eff. September 1, 2007.Amended by: Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 257 (H.B. 1168), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2011.
Texas Property Code § 92.2571 establishes two alternative ways a landlord can satisfy the state's smoke alarm requirements for dwelling units. Instead of following only the default smoke alarm rules, a landlord may either install a qualifying fire detection device (one that includes a fire alarm component as defined under the Insurance Code) or, for one- or two-family dwellings specifically, install smoke detectors that meet the standards set out in Chapter 766 of the Health and Safety Code. Either path counts as full compliance with the subchapter's smoke alarm provisions.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Tex. Prop. Code § 92.2571, operators of rental properties have flexibility in how they meet the state's smoke alarm mandate. A compliant landlord typically either installs a fire detection system that incorporates a fire alarm device meeting the Insurance Code's definition, or—if the property is a one- or two-family dwelling—installs smoke detectors that conform to Chapter 766 of the Health and Safety Code. Keeping documentation of the installed equipment and its compliance with the applicable standard is a practice commonly associated with well-managed properties.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tex. Prop. Code § 92.2571 means that tenants in Texas rental units are entitled to some form of qualifying smoke or fire detection equipment, whether that is a broader fire detection system or smoke detectors meeting Health and Safety Code Chapter 766 standards. If a dwelling lacks any compliant device, tenants generally have avenues such as submitting a written request to the landlord, contacting a local code enforcement office, or reaching out to a tenant-rights organization for guidance on next steps. Understanding which type of device is installed—and whether it meets one of the two recognized standards under § 92.2571—can be a useful starting point when evaluating whether a unit is properly equipped.
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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