Tex. Prop. Code Ann. §§ 92.001–92.355 § 92.257
INSTALLATION PROCEDURE.
Operative Text
Sec. 92.257. INSTALLATION PROCEDURE. (a) Subject to Subsections (b) and (c), a smoke alarm must be installed according to the manufacturer's recommended procedures.(b) A smoke alarm must be installed on a ceiling or wall. If on a ceiling, it must be no closer than six inches to a wall or otherwise located in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions. If on a wall, it must be no closer than six inches and no farther than 12 inches from the ceiling or otherwise located in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions.(c) A smoke alarm may be located other than as required by Subsection (a) or (b) if a local ordinance or a local or state fire marshal approves. Acts 1983, 68th Leg., p. 3651, ch. 576, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1984.Amended by: Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 257 (H.B. 1168), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2011.
Section 92.257 of the Texas Property Code establishes where and how smoke alarms must be physically installed in residential settings. Alarms must follow the manufacturer's recommended procedures and be mounted on a ceiling or wall within specific distance ranges from the ceiling-wall junction—at least six inches from a wall if ceiling-mounted, and between six and twelve inches from the ceiling if wall-mounted. An exception exists when a local ordinance or a local or state fire marshal approves an alternative placement.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Landlords and property managers operating under Tex. Prop. Code § 92.257 generally ensure that every smoke alarm is installed strictly according to the manufacturer's instructions and placed within the code's specified ceiling or wall distance requirements. Compliant operators keep documentation of installation procedures and, when a non-standard placement is used, obtain written approval from the appropriate local ordinance authority or a local or state fire marshal before proceeding. Maintaining records of manufacturer guidelines and any official approvals helps demonstrate adherence to the installation standards set out in this section.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Tex. Prop. Code § 92.257, tenants have an interest in confirming that smoke alarms in their unit are installed in the correct location—on a ceiling or wall within the distances specified by the code and the manufacturer's instructions. If an alarm appears to be improperly placed and no fire marshal approval is on record, tenants may raise this as a potential violation when communicating with their landlord or when contacting a local code enforcement office. Tenant-rights organizations in Texas can help residents understand what remedies or complaint processes may be available under the broader Tex. Prop. Code §§ 92.001–92.355 framework.
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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