Tex. Prop. Code Ann. §§ 92.001–92.355 § 92.165
TENANT REMEDIES FOR OTHER LANDLORD VIOLATIONS.
Operative Text
Sec. 92.165. TENANT REMEDIES FOR OTHER LANDLORD VIOLATIONS. If a landlord does not comply with a tenant's request regarding rekeying, changing, adding, repairing, or replacing a security device under Section 92.156(b), 92.157, or 92.158 in accordance with the time limits and other requirements of this subchapter, the tenant may:(1) install, repair, change, replace, or rekey the security devices as required by this subchapter and deduct the reasonable cost of material, labor, taxes, and extra keys from the tenant's next rent payment in accordance with Section 92.166;(2) unilaterally terminate the lease without court proceedings; and(3) file suit against the landlord and obtain a judgment for:(A) a court order directing the landlord to comply, if the tenant is in possession of the dwelling;(B) the tenant's actual damages;(C) punitive damages if the tenant suffers actual damages and the landlord's failure to comply is intentional, malicious, or grossly negligent;(D) a civil penalty of one month's rent plus $500;(E) court costs; and(F) attorney's fees except in suits for recovery of property damages, personal injuries, or wrongful death. Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 357, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Section 92.165 of the Texas Property Code establishes a set of remedies available to tenants when a landlord fails to comply with requests related to rekeying, changing, adding, repairing, or replacing security devices as required under the relevant subchapter sections. If the landlord does not act within the required time limits, the law permits the tenant to take corrective action at their own expense and offset the cost against rent, end the lease without going to court, or pursue legal action. A successful lawsuit can result in a court order compelling compliance, actual damages, punitive damages in cases of intentional or grossly negligent conduct, a civil penalty equal to one month's rent plus $500, court costs, and attorney's fees in most case types.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 92.165, property owners and managers who receive a tenant request related to security devices—such as rekeying or repairing a lock—are expected to respond within the time frames set out in Sections 92.156(b), 92.157, and 92.158. Compliant operators typically document all security-device requests in writing, schedule and complete the required work promptly, and retain records of completion to demonstrate adherence to the subchapter's requirements. Failure to meet these obligations can expose a landlord to significant financial liability, including a statutory civil penalty of one month's rent plus $500, as well as potential punitive damages and attorney's fees.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 92.165 of the Texas Property Code gives tenants meaningful options when a landlord does not respond properly to a security-device request covered by the relevant subchapter sections. Tenants may handle the repair or rekeying themselves and deduct the reasonable cost from the next rent payment, terminate the lease without a court proceeding, or file suit to seek actual damages, a civil penalty of one month's rent plus $500, and potentially attorney's fees. Tenants who believe their landlord has not complied may find it helpful to contact a local tenant-rights organization or legal aid office to understand which of these paths under § 92.165 may be available given their circumstances.
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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