Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Texas

The apartment complex where I live has been without hot water for 7 weeks due to broken main gas line. They are working to fix it but are not sending out updates as to when it will be fixed. One more week and it will be 2 months with no hot water . they have not given us any discounts. as a matter of fact they have continued to overcharge us for monthly water bills. I live in a 2 bedroom apt - no washer/dryer - the dish washer doesn't work - don't use it. I very seldom cook for 1 person and my water bill runs $34 to $36 monthly. I took bottles of brown water (from bathroom when I had hot water) to the managers office in Oct 2008 and 3 times after that asking for them to fix the problem - no one ever came to check out why. This apartment complex has a lot of violations and I don't know where to go to get help. I'm 65 yrs old live on social security and can't afford to move. but will if I can break this lease that is up in Feb 2010. They require the tenants to give them a 2 month notice to move out after the lease is up and then they charge you high dollar rent for those two months.


Asked on 8/23/09, 5:50 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Keith Engelke Law Office of S. Keith Engelke

You need to get an attorney to help you on this. Be sure to document your contacts with the manager. Send letters to them by certified mail, return receipt requested. Make sure you address them to the lessor on the lease. Make sure you are in full compliance with the lease terms. If you can't afford to hire an attorney, contact your local bar association, Texas Rio Grand Legal Aid. If these organaizations can't help you, they should be able to refer you to an organization that can.

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Answered on 8/23/09, 6:15 pm


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