Corpus Christi, TX Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing code
- 2015 IPMC as adopted, City Code § 13-20
- Owner duty
- Maintain sanitary, safe condition (§301.2)
- Security devices
- Tex. Prop. Code Ch. 92, Subch. D
- Deadbolt spec
- Minimum 1-inch lock throw (§304.18.1)
- Max fine
- $500 per violation, daily if uncured
- Enforcer
- Code Enforcement Division / Building Standards Board
Summary
Corpus Christi enforces habitability through its adopted Property Maintenance Code. Owners must keep rental structures and exterior property sanitary and safe, and rentals must carry code-compliant security devices. The Code Enforcement Division investigates complaints, issues written notices, and can fine violators up to $500 per day the defect continues uncorrected.
301.2 Responsibility. The owner of the premises shall maintain the structures and exterior property in compliance with these requirements, except as otherwise provided for in this Code or in State or Federal Law. A person shall not occupy as owner-occupant or permit another person to occupy premises which are not in a sanitary and safe condition and which do not comply with the requirements of this chapter.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 44).
Full Breakdown
Section 13-20 of the Code of Ordinances adopts the 2015 International Property Maintenance Code with local amendments. 2 Responsibility, making the owner directly responsible for maintaining the structure and exterior property in a compliant state and barring occupancy of premises that are not sanitary and safe. 18 Building security, requires doors, attic access, windows and hatchways for dwelling units to carry devices that secure occupants and property; the code deems owners of residential rental units to have met that duty by installing devices required under Texas Property Code Title 8, Chapter 92, Subchapter D (Security Devices).
1 requires doors giving access to a rented dwelling, rooming or housekeeping unit to have a deadbolt lock openable without a key from the egress side, with a minimum lock throw of one inch, installed to the manufacturer's specifications; a sliding bolt does not qualify. Enforcement runs through Sec. 3 describing the violation and the time to cure. 00 upon conviction, and each day a violation continues after notice is a separate offense. Owners who dispute a notice may request review; unresolved cases proceed to the Building Standards Board established under Sec. 13-21, which can order repair, vacation, or demolition.
Violations & Fines
Occupying or renting a unit that is not sanitary and safe, or that lacks the required security devices and deadbolt hardware, is a Property Maintenance Code violation. After written notice under Section 107, the code official may prosecute for a fine of up to $500.00, with each additional day of noncompliance charged as a separate offense. Unresolved cases can go to the Building Standards Board for a repair, vacate, or demolition order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who enforces rental habitability rules in Corpus Christi?
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Corpus Christi
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