Texas landlord repair timeline
How long does a landlord in Texas have to repair?
The clock most states set starts at the tenant’s written notice. Here is what the statute says, with the official source. It is general information, not legal advice.
- What it sets
- A diligent effort to repair conditions affecting health or safety after notice; seven days is presumed reasonable for some tenant remedies
- Statute
- Property Code 92.052 and 92.056
- Official source
- Texas Property Code chapter 92
Not an emergency service. For a fire, a gas leak or anyone in danger, call 911 or the gas utility.
What Texas law says, line by line
Each line restates the text it cites. Check the current version before you rely on it.
The landlord makes a diligent effort to repair a condition that materially affects an ordinary tenant’s health or safety, or a hot water device that can’t supply at least 120°F.
Property Code 92.052(a)Notice goes to the person or place where rent is normally paid, and has to be in writing only if a written lease requires it.
Property Code 92.052(a), (d)The tenant must not be behind on rent when notice is given.
Property Code 92.052(a)(2)For the tenant’s remedies, seven days is presumed a reasonable time to repair, weighed against severity and the availability of materials, labor and utilities.
Property Code 92.056(d)A lease must state the tenant’s repair remedies in underlined or bold print.
Property Code 92.056(g)
Checked October 21, 2026
Turn the statute into your own response times
City rules and your leases can be stricter than the state. Write your times as the strictest of the three.
- Count from when the tenant told you, because many deadlines start at notice
- Put heat, water, power and anything dangerous at the top, day or night
- Ask for notice in writing, and reply in writing, so the record exists if anyone asks
- Record every step with a time: the first reply, the booking, the visit and the confirmation
A question managers ask about Texas
Under 92.052, only if the lease is in writing and requires written notice. For several remedies, the tenant later needs a second written notice, or a first notice sent by certified, registered or tracked mail.
Managing in another state? Pick it hereThe same leak can have a different clock across a state line.
The clock starts at the tenant’s notice Ours answers at any hour