Tenant Rights and Remedies

TENANT RIGHTS AND REMEDIES:

   This section of the handbook discusses tenant rights and remedies provided by Texas Law. Unless otherwise indicated a lease can't remove or diminish any right or remedy described below. However, your lease may provide additional protections and remedies. Be sure to read your lease first to see if your problem is addressed.

  Texas laws requires landlords to make a diligent effort to repair problems about which they have been notified and that materially affect the physical health or safety of an ordinary tenant. Examples of items that materially affect the health and safety of an ordinary tenant are sewage backups, roaches, rats, no hot water, faulty wiring, roof leaks, and sometimes, a lack of heat or air conditioning. If the problem violates a provision of your city's building, health, or fire code, then it's more likely to be considered a health or safety risk. However, your lease agreement may require the landlord to repair these problems as well. If you are uncertain how to classify the problem, consult a lawyer, health or building inspector, or tenant association.

   A landlord that has on-site management or superintendent's office must provide to you a telephone number that will be answered 24 hours a day for the purpose of reporting emergencies related to a condition of the property that materially affects your physical health or safety. The landlord must post the phone number  prominently outside the management or superintendent's office.

  For more information and questions go to the link: www.texasbar.com