San Antonio, TX Building Safety: Door Locking Hardware (2026)

Under Sec. 15 of the San Antonio Property Maintenance Code (SAPMC), adopted by Code of Ordinances Sec. 6-52, all exterior doors, door assemblies and hardware must be maintained in good condition, and locks at every entrance to a dwelling unit or sleeping unit must tightly secure the door. Locks on egress doors must comply with Sec. 3, which bars keyed or double-cylinder locks on the exit side of most residential means of egress (a narrow exception applies to single-family and two-family homes not used as group homes, daycare, or assisted living).

Sec. 1 separately requires that doors, attic access, windows and hatchways for dwelling units, room units and housekeeping units carry devices designed to secure occupants and property. A landlord is deemed compliant with that security-device duty simply by installing the devices already mandated under Texas Property Code Title 8, Chapter 92, Subchapter D (pin locks, door viewers, keyless bolting locks and sliding door pin locks). Attic-access locking devices are not required in single-family dwellings. Structures inside the Central Business District, historic districts, and a half-mile perimeter of active military bases face added securing standards under Sec.

2: plywood or other temporary methods cannot secure a window or door opening unless the Code Official approves the product and method, and temporary plywood is capped at 14 days under San Antonio City Code Chapter 6, Article VIII.