As an Austin rental property owner, it’s extremely important that you remain in compliance with the Texas property code. Doing so ensures that you are following all the rules and regulations of being a landlord in the state of Texas.
The Texas property code was put in place to outline what landlords in the state are and are not allowed to do in regards to their rental property and leases, as well as to protect tenants’ rights. All of this is included in Title 8, Chapter 92 of the state’s property code.
While experienced Austin property management companies, such as 1836 Property Management, are well-informed and up-to-date on the state’s property code, it’s possible for Austin rental property owners to be violating this code without even knowing it.
Below are some landlord tips for how to stay in compliance with the Texas property code.
Why is It Important to Comply with the Texas Property Code?
The word “code” can get thrown around a lot in the real estate industry, and it can mean very different things depending on what the specific topic is. A building code, for example, exists to ensure homes are built according to certain standards that include safety.
While Texas has a state-wide building code, though, there may be local ordinances that allow for certain exceptions to this code.
This is not the case with the Texas property code. “Code” in this regard means law. In other words, Austin rental property owners must abide by everything that’s in the code.
It’s not an abstract thing or a best practice, but rather a set of laws that you must follow. If you don’t, you can be held legally responsible for certain things.
Tope Code Compliance Items for Texas Rental Properties
The real estate market around the country is shifting, with an increasing number of homes rotating into rentals. This is especially true in the Austin real estate market, where there is such a high demand for rental properties.
Professionals who work in the industry such as Ken Jennings, the founder and CEO of Mr. Rekey, has said that he’s even seen some new construction homes get gobbled up by investors who immediately want to turn the homes into rental properties.
One challenge that Jennings says happens in such a situation is these new homes may have been built according to the state building code but not the Texas property code. This means that the home will need to undergo some changes to get up to code.
Some of these items include having one-sided deadbolts and door viewers for all exterior doors, pin locks, the proper smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
If a home is being switched over from one tenant to another — or if a new investor is purchasing a home that’s already an Austin rental property — then the home must also be rekeyed.
While some of these investments may be relatively minor — for instance, paying an extra $25 per item to ensure the smoke detectors are also carbon monoxide detectors — there could be a sticker shock of sorts if you have to start from scratch.
That being said, this is a one-time investment that’s well worth it in the long run, as it can save you tons of money and legal liability.
Why Re-Evaluating Rental Properties is Crucial
Some Austin rental property owners may not think it’s worth the cost to get in compliance with the Texas property code. However, that line of thinking is very misguided.
Remember, the Texas property code is a law that you must abide by as a landlord. If you’re not in compliance, you could find yourself in big legal trouble should anything happen at your rental property and/or to your tenants.
For example, if the home is burglarized and something happens to the tenants inside and their possessions, you could be held personally liable if you’re not in compliance with Texas property code.
Or, if a tenant is looking to find a way out of their lease and discovers you aren’t fully compliant, they could use that as a loophole to end their contract early.
That’s why it’s always best to go above and beyond when it comes to the Texas property code. If things change, you will be ahead of the game.
It Pays to Work with 1836 Property Management
Staying on top of the Texas property code and other local laws can be very difficult for Austin rental property owners. That’s why one of the best landlord tips you can follow is to partner with an experienced Austin property management company.
When you work with 1836 Property Management, you’ll be gaining peace of mind knowing that we ensure that all of our clients’ Austin rental properties stay compliant with the Texas property code.
Not only that, but we have established long-term relationships with third-party partners such as Ken Jennings from Mr. Rekey. By having a licensed third-party company handle all Texas property code issues, we help our clients stay in compliance and avoid potential costly litigation.
For more information, please contact us today.
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