Mesquite, TX Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum Standard
- IPMC adopted as minimum housing standard
- Repair Duty
- Landlord must repair conditions affecting health/safety (TX PC 92.052)
- Security Devices
- Deadbolts, viewers, window latches required
- Utilities
- Heat, hot water, working plumbing/electrical required
- Smoke Alarms
- Required and tested at move-in
Summary
Mesquite enforces the International Property Maintenance Code plus Texas Property Code Ch. 92, requiring landlords to provide working utilities, heat, security devices, and pest-free units.
Sec. 92.052. LANDLORD'S DUTY TO REPAIR OR REMEDY. (a) A landlord shall make a diligent effort to repair or remedy a condition if: (1) the tenant specifies the condition in a notice to the person to whom or to the place where rent is normally paid; (2) the tenant is not delinquent in the payment of rent at the time notice is given; and (3) the condition: (A) materially affects the physical health or safety of an ordinary tenant; or (B) arises from the landlord's failure to provide and maintain in good operating condition a device to supply hot water of a minimum temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit. (c) This subchapter does not require the landlord to furnish security guards.
Full Breakdown
Rental units in Mesquite must meet the minimum standards of the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) adopted by the city, plus statewide protections in Texas Property Code Chapter 92. Landlords must maintain weather-tight roofs and walls, working plumbing with hot and cold water, working heating systems, working electrical systems, properly functioning windows and doors, and structures free from rodents and insect infestation. Texas Property Code 92.052 requires landlords to make a diligent effort to repair conditions that materially affect the physical health or safety of an ordinary tenant after written notice and rent being current. Landlords must also install and maintain prescribed security devices (deadbolts, keyless deadbolts, door viewers, window latches) under TX Property Code 92.151-92.170 at no cost to the tenant. Smoke alarms must be installed and inspected at move-in. Tenants experiencing unresolved habitability issues can file a complaint with Mesquite Code Compliance at (972) 216-6281 after providing the landlord written notice and reasonable opportunity to repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do if my landlord won't fix the AC?
Can my landlord charge me for installing a deadbolt?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Mesquite
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Repairs & Habitability in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Dallas County handle repairs & habitability.