Richardson, TX Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)
Key Facts
- Property Code
- TX Property Code Ch. 92 governs habitability
- Smoke Alarms
- Smoke alarms in every bedroom required
- Security Devices
- Security devices (keyless bolts, pin locks) mandatory
- Written Notice
- Written notice starts repair-and-deduct clock
- Richardson Property
- Richardson property maintenance code applies
Summary
Rental habitability in Richardson is governed by Texas Property Code Chapter 92 and the city's property maintenance code. Landlords must provide working smoke alarms, keep buildings weather-tight, and remedy conditions that materially affect tenant health and safety.
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.(b) Unless the condition was caused by normal wear and tear, the landlord does not have a duty during the lease term or a renewal or extensi
Full Breakdown
Texas Property Code Chapter 92 establishes the statewide habitability framework applied in Richardson. Landlords must install and maintain smoke alarms in each bedroom, provide security devices (keyless bolts, sliding door pin locks, window latches), and make diligent efforts to repair conditions that materially affect the physical health and safety of ordinary tenants. Tenants must give written notice (usually by certified mail) and be current on rent to trigger statutory remedies. If the landlord fails to act within a reasonable time (typically 7 days), tenants may terminate the lease, seek judicial repair orders, or use repair-and-deduct up to statutory caps. Richardson's property maintenance code adds local standards for roofing, walls, plumbing, heating, electrical, infestation, and mold, enforced by Code Enforcement. Utilities supplied by the landlord must be maintained, and hot water, heat, and functional plumbing are baseline requirements. Security deposits are regulated under TX 92.101-109 with a 30-day return rule after move-out.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Richardson
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