List of Security Devices Landlord Must Provide
- One doorknob/lever lock or keyed deadbolt on each exterior door. (The door from the house to the garage or covered patio are considered exterior doors.)
- One keyless bolting device only visible from interior side of door installed on every exterior door. A keyless deadbolt (also known as a hidden deadbolt or single sided deadbolt) meets this requirement.
a. None of the following are acceptable to be used as a keyless bolting device: chain latch, flip latch, surface-mounted slide bolt, mortise door bolt, surface-mounted barrel bolt, surface-mounted swing bar, spring-loaded night latch or a foot bolt.
b. There are exceptions to the requirement for a keyless bolting device. (i.e. when the tenant is over fifty-five years old or requires assistance. Please refer to the Texas Property Code for exemptions.)
- One door viewer installed on each exterior door.
- Sliding glass exterior doors require both a pin lock and either a security bar or locking handle latch.
- Every exterior window needs to have at least one latch.
The landlord is required to rekey all locks on all exterior doors within seven days of the day a tenant moves in.