Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Texas

They say I owe Fees I didn't Know About!

I transferred to another property under the same management company and followed their transfer guidelines. The transfer was approved and my new lease was signed. During that time I was in and out of the hospital due to a car wreck, and received no communications from the apartment community. On 12/28/06 I was notified by a collections attorney that I owed his company over $800 for 'damages' to the unit. I asked what the damages were, and he said he did not know and usually they would advise what they were prior to sending the bill to collections. I advised I would not pay the total amount, and he stated if it was not received by 5:00 pm on 12/28/06 my credit would be adversely affected. I feel these 'damages' should not be charged to me. The collecting party does not even know what they are. My transfer was approved as I met their conditions, else the transfer would not have been approved per an employee at my current community. What should I do? Can they come back after un-named damages? Do they not have to tell me what these damages are for? I left that place in excellent condition, can I demand photos? And can they charge me for the entire amount when I had a joint lease?


Asked on 12/28/06, 3:11 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
TC Langford Langford Law Office

Re: They say I owe Fees I didn't Know About!

Read the Texas Property Code under landlord-tenant, and review the Texas Attorney General website under landlord-tenant. The parties to a lease agreement have specific obligations under the law. You may be able to sue them in jp court for your deposit, damages and attorney fees.

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Answered on 1/02/07, 7:03 pm


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