Houston, TX Building Safety: Elevator Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing Body
- TDLR
- Inspection
- Annual required
- Code Standard
- ASME A17.1
- Certificate
- Must be posted in cab
Summary
Texas TDLR requires annual inspections of all elevators, escalators, and related equipment. Building owners must register equipment and maintain current certificates of compliance displayed in each elevator cab.
Sec. 754.014. STANDARDS ADOPTED BY COMMISSION. (a) The commission by rule shall adopt standards for the installation, maintenance, alteration, operation, testing, removal from service, and inspection of equipment used by the public in:(1) buildings owned or operated by the state or a political subdivision; and(2) buildings that contain equipment that is open to the general public, including a hotel, motel, apartment house, boardinghouse, church, office building, shopping center, or other commercial establishment.(b) Standards adopted under commission rules may not contain requirements in addition to those in the ASME Code A17.1, A17.3, A18.1, or ASCE Code 21. Sec. 754.015. RULES. The commission shall provide for an annual inspection and certification of the equipment.
Full Breakdown
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) has sole jurisdiction over elevator safety under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 754. All elevators, escalators, dumbwaiters, and moving walks must be registered with TDLR and inspected annually by a licensed inspector. Building owners must keep equipment in safe operating condition per ASME A17.1 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators. A current certificate of compliance must be posted in each elevator cab. Inspections cover safety devices, door operations, emergency communications, fire service operations, and structural integrity. After major repairs or alterations, a witness test by a TDLR inspector is required before returning equipment to service. Private residence elevators serving a single dwelling unit are exempt from annual inspection requirements but must meet initial installation codes.
Violations & Fines
Operating without a current certificate: up to $1,000 per day. Failure to correct deficiencies within the reinspection period: penalties up to $5,000 per violation. TDLR may order equipment taken out of service for imminent safety hazards.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often must elevators be inspected in Houston?
Are home elevators exempt from inspection?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Houston
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