If the repair is yours to pay
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Repair-request & landlord/tenant forms (LawDepot)Templates for a notice to repair, security-deposit demand, and more.
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Default rule and exceptions
Several states legally mandate specific working security hardware and put installation, repair, and rekeying costs on the landlord by default.
| Party | What they are responsible for |
|---|---|
| Landlord | Must equip and maintain required security hardware (window latches, deadbolts, sliding door pin locks) and rekey locks at the landlord's expense after tenant turnover (Texas: within 7 days). |
| Tenant | Owns damage they caused to locks or security hardware through misuse. |
| Exceptions | Tenant-caused damage to locks/hardware; State-by-state variation in what hardware is mandated |
What the source says
Last verified against the primary source on Sep 27, 2026.
a dwelling must be equipped with: (1) a window latch on each exterior window of the dwelling; (2) a doorknob lock or keyed dead bolt on each exterior door; (3) a sliding door pin lock on each exterior sliding glass door...
a security device operated by a key, card, or combination shall be rekeyed by the landlord at the landlord's expense not later than the seventh day after each tenant turnover date.
Common questions
Who pays for rental repair: broken locks / security in Nationwide, US?
The landlord. Must equip and maintain required security hardware (window latches, deadbolts, sliding door pin locks) and rekey locks at the landlord's expense after tenant turnover (Texas: within 7 days).
Are there exceptions in Nationwide, US?
Tenant-caused damage to locks/hardware; State-by-state variation in what hardware is mandated
What is this based on for Nationwide, US?
This verdict is sourced to Texas Property Code § 92.153 (Security Devices Required Without Necessity of Tenant Request) and 2 sources in total, each independently re-checked before publication.
Sources
- Texas Property Code § 92.153 (Security Devices Required Without Necessity of Tenant Request)statute · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-27
- Texas Property Code § 92.156 (Rekeying or Change of Security Devices)statute · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-27
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