A free, practical guide to help property managers, HOA boards, contractors, and commercial property owners in Texas verify, evaluate, and hire licensed private security companies.
What This Guide Covers
This guide walks you through everything you need to know before hiring a private security company in Texas, including:
- Texas Private Security Licensing: What Level II, Level III, and Level IV licenses mean and why they matter
- How to Verify a Security Company’s License: Step-by-step instructions using the state’s free TOPS verification tool
- Insurance and Bonding Requirements: Texas-mandated minimums and what to ask for before signing a contract
- Background Checks and Fingerprinting: How the FBI fingerprint-based process works for Texas security officers
- Fire Watch Compliance: When fire watch is required under OSHA and Texas fire codes, and what to look for
- HOA and Residential Community Rules: Texas Property Code sections that affect how HOAs handle security
- Red Flags to Watch For: Warning signs that a security vendor may not be legitimate or properly licensed
- Printable Vendor Evaluation Checklist: A ready-to-use checklist for vendor interviews and due diligence
Who This Is For
- Property managers overseeing commercial or residential buildings
- HOA and community association board members
- Apartment complex owners and operators
- Construction companies and general contractors
- Commercial property and facility managers
- Event coordinators and venue operators
- Business owners evaluating security options
Official Resources Referenced
The guide includes links to official government and regulatory sources, including:
- Texas DPS Private Security Bureau
- TOPS Public License Verification Search
- Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1702 (Private Security Act)
- OSHA Fire Watch Standards (29 CFR 1910.252)
- Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office
- Texas Property Code, Chapter 202 (HOA Security Provisions)
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Security Guards
Access the Guide
This guide is a free public resource. You are welcome to read it online, download the PDF, print it, and share it with colleagues, board members, and vendors.
Have questions about security vendor compliance or need a licensed, insured security provider for your property? Contact Mayer Security and we will be happy to help.