Texas Tenant Advisor

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The Texas Tenant Advisor is intended to provide general information regarding Texas residential tenancies only.

Unique facts can render some statements inapplicable to a given situation.

We attempt to provide current information; nonetheless, you are urged to consult an attorney for legal advice and assistance.

This web site is a public service of the Texas Low Income Housing Information Service.

Letter Demanding Locks Be Provided or Repaired

You are entitled to working keyed locks and keyless bolting devices (that cannot be unlocked from the outside) on all exterior doors. You are also entitled to working window latches, pin locks on sliding glass doors, and door viewers on exterior doors. You can use this form letter to demand that the landlord provide or repair these locks, pin latches and other devices required by the Texas Property Code. A landlord that refuses to provide these locks has enhanced penalties if given notice violation and refuses to install them. If the locks have been provided, then a landlord should be given written notice if they are broken.

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Lawsuit for Failure to Provide or Repair Locks

You can use this form for filing suit in justice court, also called justice of the peace or JP court. If a landlord fails to install or repair a required security device you are entitled to actual damages, one month's rent plus $500, attorney fees and court costs. Justice court has a jurisdictional limit of $5,000 and is sometimes more friendly to landlords because JP courts hear evictions in their courts frequently. But, it is easier to represent yourself in justice court, cheaper to file the suit and you get to trial much quicker. See Sue Your Landlord to learn how to file suit and try the case in justice court.

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Letter Demanding Locks and other Devices be Rekeyed

You are entitled to have the locks rekeyed from the last tenant at the landlord's expense. This includes any key or security code that could be used to enter your home. The change must be performed within 7 days of moving in. A notice is not required to be given; however, if you suspect this has not been performed it is best to remind the landlord of their duty. You are also entitled to have the locks and other devices rekeyed at your expense at any other time upon written request.

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Lawsuit for Failing to Rekey the Locks

You can use this form for filing suit in justice court, also called justice of the peace or JP court. If a landlord fails to rekey a security device (either between tenancies or later at your expense) you are entitled to actual damages, one month's rent plus $500, attorney fees and court costs. Justice court has a jurisdictional limit of $5,000 and is sometimes more friendly to landlords because JP courts hear evictions in their courts frequently. But, it is easier to represent yourself in justice court, cheaper to file the suit and you get to trial much quicker. See Sue Your Landlord to learn how to file suit and try the case in justice court.