Preparing a Property for Tenants/Rental per Texas Property Code

For a complete guide to the Texas Property Code, refer to Texas Property Code Full Guide.

Prior to renting your property, understand that requirements vary based on:

For additional details, visit the full list of landlord requirements.

A dwelling must have:

Windows: A latch on each exterior window.
Doors: A doorknob lock or keyed deadbolt on each exterior door.
Sliding Doors: A pin lock and either a handle latch or security bar on sliding glass doors.
Viewer: Keyless bolting device and a door viewer on each exterior door.
French Doors: One door must meet standard requirements; the other must have bolts as described in the Property Code.

Note: Installation of security devices is at the landlord’s expense. Locks must be changed after each tenant (or homeowner) move-out.

Smoke Alarms: Must detect visible/invisible combustion, have an audible alarm near bedrooms, and be tested/listed by a reputable company.
Installation: Follow local ordinances for electrically operated alarms.
Placement: Install in each bedroom, dining/living/sleeping spaces, corridors near bedrooms, and on each level of the unit.
Co2 Detector - placed at chest height

Note: For units occupied before September 1, 2011, battery-powered smoke alarms are permissible and need not be interconnected.

Landlords must adhere to all sections of the Property Code, including repair obligations and liability for tenant safety.

Detailed guidelines on the timely accounting and return of security deposits.

Beyond Texas Property Code requirements, Treaty Oak Properties Make-Ready baseline requirements includes the following:

Professionally cleaned and free of all debris/trash inside and outside
Window locks and window blinds (fully operable)
No broken window panes
Electrical outlets/breakers/fixtures/switches all working properly
Plumbing fixtures/shutoffs all working properly
HVAC and Furnace serviced and fully operable
Paint and Sheetrock in good condition - holes and stains will be patched and painted where necessary. Ceilings free of water stains/cracks/other problems
Ceramic Tile in good condition with clean grout and caulk - no cracked or missing tiles
Cabinet doors and drawers all operable with functional hardware
Towel bars, rings and paper holders secured properly
Exterior siding, exterior doors and paint in good condition - holes/rotted wood/gaps all sealed, repaired and painted
Yard in maintainable condition and trees/shrubs trimmed off roof and away from property. Dead limbs removed
Carpet/Vinyl/Wood - all professionally cleaned and in good condition. If extremely worn, will be replaced