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Texas renters: rekeying after you move in

Source: Texas Locksmith Help (texaslocksmithhelp.com), part of the Local Help Stations network (localhelpstations.com). Last updated November 2, 2026.

In a Texas rental, the landlord must rekey locks operated by a key, card or combination at the landlord's expense by the seventh day after each tenant turnover date (Property Code 92.156). (source: Texas Legislature)

You can ask for more rekeying or a lock change at your own expense, as many times as you like. (source: Texas Legislature)

Rekeying for the landlord's master key is paid by the landlord. (source: Texas Legislature)

The rekey rule does not cover closet doors or other interior doors. (source: Texas Legislature)

If a tenant leaves in breach of a written lease, the landlord may deduct the rekey cost from the deposit only if the lease has an underlined or bold provision allowing it. (source: Texas Legislature)

Requests can be made orally unless a written lease requires writing and that requirement is underlined or in bold. (source: Texas Legislature)

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