Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Texas

utilities

I have discovered that the electricity that runs the commutual lighting area is actually coming out of my apartment. I have spoken to the landlord and he said that it only cause $2.00 a day and if i didn't like it i could move. My lease is up and he has not presented me with a new one. I am totally up to date on my rent. I can't afford to move and while my neighbors around me enjoy a monthly electrical bill of under $40.00 I pay around $77.00 to $90.00 a month. What are my legal options?


Asked on 6/09/03, 12:08 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Cheryl Rivera Smith The Smith Law Firm

Re: utilities

For an approximate $75 filing fee you can take your landlord to small claims court and present your evidence to the justice of the peace. Be sure you show up at court. If you don't and your landlord does, he or she will win a default judgment against you. Being served with a summons may be enough of an incentive for the landlord to make things right. If you go to court, ask for your court costs to be paid and for your past damages. Your claim must be for under $5,000 to be in small claims court. There is no guaranty, but you might just win those costs plus a refund of what you've paid in the past.

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Answered on 6/09/03, 4:53 am


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