Which repairs
A landlord must make a diligent effort to repair a condition that materially affects the physical health or safety of an ordinary tenant, once the tenant gives notice and is not behind on rent (§92.052). No hot water, a failed lock, a leaking roof and sewage are the classic examples.
Damage the tenant, their family or guests caused is the tenant's to pay for, unless it is normal wear and tear.
How fast
There is a rebuttable presumption that seven days is a reasonable time to repair (§92.056), shorter for something urgent and longer when parts or contractors genuinely are not available.
What a tenant can do if it is not fixed
After the right notices, a tenant may end the lease, have the condition repaired and deduct the cost from rent within limits (the greater of one month's rent or $500, §92.0561), or go to court. A landlord also may not retaliate against a tenant for asking for repairs (§92.331).
Locks the law requires
Every exterior door needs a keyed deadbolt and a keyless bolting device, with door viewers, and sliding doors need a pin lock and a handle latch or bar (§92.153). The locks must be rekeyed within seven days after each tenant moves out (§92.156).
Smoke alarms
A smoke alarm is required in each bedroom, or outside bedrooms that share a hallway, and must be tested at the start of each tenancy (§92.255, §92.258).
How we handle it
Tenants report repairs online at any hour, choosing the problem from a list that sends it to the right contractor and sets how urgent it is. You set the limit we can spend without asking you; above it, we bring you an estimate first. See the repair list tenants use.
Questions
How long does a Texas landlord have to make repairs?
A reasonable time, presumed to be seven days after notice (Texas Property Code section 92.056), for conditions that materially affect health or safety.
Do Texas landlords have to rekey between tenants?
Yes. The security devices must be rekeyed within seven days after each tenant turnover (section 92.156).
General information about Texas rules, not legal advice. For a specific situation, speak to a Texas attorney.