Farmersville, TX Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum heat
- 68°F, 3 feet above floor (§14-309(11))
- Hot water
- minimum 120°F (§14-309(4))
- Window light
- 8% of floor area minimum (§14-308(11))
- Civil penalty
- up to $1,000 per day (§14-304(b))
- Appeal deadline
- 30 days to district court (§14-305(g))
Summary
Farmersville's Minimum Building and Property Standards article requires every owner to keep a habitable structure weathertight, supply water heated to at least 120°F, keep interior heating capable of holding 68°F, and maintain functioning plumbing and electrical service. The Building Official enforces these standards under Chapter 14, and violations bring criminal fines plus a possible civil penalty of up to $1,000 per day.
An owner shall: ... (4)Provide and maintain in operating condition a device to supply hot water of a minimum temperature of 120 °F within each structure intended for human habitation; ... (11)Provide heating facilities which are properly installed, are maintained in safe and good working conditions, and are capable of safely and adequately heating all habitable rooms, and bathrooms in every dwelling unit located therein to a temperature of at least 68 °F (20 °C) at a distance three feet above floor level;
Full Breakdown
110) sets the habitability floor for every structure in the city. Section 14-309 requires the owner to keep a functioning toilet connected to a public sewer or septic system, hot and cold water at every kitchen sink, bathtub or shower, and lavatory, and a water heater capable of at least 120°F. Heating facilities must safely maintain at least 68°F measured three feet above the floor in every habitable room and bathroom; un-vented gas heaters are barred unless their input rating is under 30 Btu per hour per cubic foot of room space.
Every dwelling unit must carry a UL 217-listed smoke detector with an audible alarm. Section 14-308 adds structural minimums: habitable rooms need window area equal to at least eight percent of floor area for light and openable area equal to 45 percent of that minimum for ventilation, egress routes need a seven-foot ceiling clearance, and any new bathroom receptacle must have ground-fault protection. Section 14-310 separately requires the owner to keep the land and structure free of rodents and vermin. The building official or a designated code enforcement officer investigates complaints and may seek a search warrant to inspect under section 14-303.
Owners get a hearing before the Building and Property Standards Commission under section 14-305, with notice by certified mail and posting, and 30 days to appeal an adverse order to district court.
Violations & Fines
A first violation is a fine under section 1-3, with each day of noncompliance a separate offense. The city can also file a civil suit under V.T.C.A. Local Government Code chapter 54 for a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per day. If the Building and Property Standards Commission orders repair, vacation, or demolition and the owner ignores it, that is a separate offense under section 14-306, and unpaid repair costs become a lien on the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Farmersville landlord be fined for a broken heater?
Does Farmersville require hot water in rental units?
What happens if my landlord ignores a code violation order?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Farmersville
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Repairs & Habitability in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Collin County handle repairs & habitability.