Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Texas

I have lived in my apartment building since March 2004. I signed my lease paying $545. I moved to another apartment within the same complex January 2006. The rent was $575. Before hurricane Ike my rent was increased to $615. There was extensive damage to the complex, but little in my unit. Within a couple months after Ike, I received a notice that rent was being increased and my unit would be $725. The owner explained it was do to the tax increase on the property. My new next-door neighbor moved in barely two months and pays $675 for an identical unit. There are special introductory rates offered in this complex. Is it legal for the apartment owner to do this?


Asked on 8/03/10, 6:47 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
TC Langford Langford Law Office

Your post raises numerous questions. If you had a written lease contract, which had not expired, then the landlord was bound by the terms of that lease until it terminated or expired. That includes the amount of the rent.

A 'newcomer' rent special would not normally affect any other tenants' rent.

If this was price-gouging as a result of the storm, you can file a complaint with the Office of the Texas Attorney General. Their website provides the contact information. If you have legal needs directly related to the storm, contact the State Bar of Texas, as the bar has lawyer referrals specifically related to the storm. It is has been two years since the storm, and from your post, almost two years since the increased rent. It may be difficult to overcome why you waited so long to complain.

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Answered on 8/09/10, 7:32 am


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