Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Texas

Lease Scam

Not really sure where this one falls. I leased a property from a ''broker'' on craigslist. The property was actually for sale with another real estate agent and the broker was a scam. He scammed me out of $1000. My question is if the realtor who had the house listed was aware that this house was used in another scam prior to it happening too me would there be some liability on the part of the realtor and owner. It seems like they should have changed the locks or access to the property immediately. The realtor and owner of the property admitted to knowing that the property had been used in a scam 2 weeks prior to the same scam happening to me. however, they didn't do anything to secure the property. Can I sue the realtor or owner in small claims court for the money I lose.


Asked on 7/09/09, 2:16 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
TC Langford Langford Law Office

Re: Lease Scam

Interesting legal question.

It would seem that in order to reverse the burden to the owner and realtor, you will have to establish your absence of culpability. Were there realty signs in the front yard? Did you have a key? Where did you get the key?

A proper response will likely require some legal research.

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Answered on 7/09/09, 4:16 pm


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