Texas: Am I under obligation to replace the deck immediately?

[Annette Radvansky]

Tenant has been in property over 3 years and last week told me deck needed repair. Someone came out yesterday, the deck needs to be totally replaced. I had it completely dismantled and hauled away this morning because I felt it was unsafe and a liability.

My question is this: under Texas law, am I obligated to immediately replace this deck, given the tenant rented the property with a deck? I do plan to replace it, but I need to know how much time I have to accomplish this task? I'd like to get three separate estimates before undergoing such an expense as this. Meanwhile, I'd like to purchase and place stepping stones for them to walk on, so they don't have to walk on the ground. Is this acceptable for the time being?