1. What repairs is a landlord legally required to make in Texas?

Landlords must repair conditions that materially affect a tenant’s health or safety after receiving proper notice. This includes issues like no water, electrical hazards, sewage problems, roof leaks, mold, broken locks, or structural dangers.

2. How do I properly request repairs from my landlord in The Heights?

Tenants should provide written notice describing the problem and send it to the address listed in the lease. Proper documentation—such as photos, emails, and repair logs—is critical to enforcing tenant rights under Texas law.

3. How long does a landlord have to make repairs in Texas?

Texas law does not set a fixed deadline. A “reasonable time” depends on the severity of the problem and the risk to health or safety. Emergency conditions typically require prompt action.

4. Is an eviction notice always valid in The Heights?

No. An eviction notice must comply with the Texas Property Code and the lease agreement. Improper notice, retaliation, landlord repair failures, or procedural errors may make an eviction invalid.

5. Can a landlord evict a tenant without a court order?

No. Landlords cannot legally remove tenants without a court judgment. Lockouts, utility shutoffs, door removal, or harassment without a court order are considered illegal evictions.

6. What defenses can tenants raise in an eviction case?

Common eviction defenses include improper notice, landlord retaliation, failure to make required repairs, rent accounting errors, discrimination, or landlord breaches of the lease agreement.

7. How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Texas?

Landlords must return a security deposit—or provide an itemized list of deductions—within 30 days after the tenant moves out. Failure to do so may result in statutory damages.

8. What can a landlord legally deduct from a security deposit?

Landlords may deduct unpaid rent, tenant-caused damage beyond normal wear and tear, and charges clearly authorized by the lease. Normal wear and routine maintenance cannot be deducted.

9. What is considered housing discrimination under fair housing laws?

Housing discrimination occurs when a landlord treats a tenant or applicant unfairly based on protected characteristics such as race, religion, sex, disability, national origin, or familial status.

10. Are landlords required to provide disability accommodations?

Yes. Landlords must provide reasonable accommodations or allow reasonable modifications when necessary for tenants with disabilities to use and enjoy the property equally.

11. What is landlord retaliation, and is it illegal in Texas?

Landlord retaliation occurs when a landlord takes adverse action—such as eviction, rent increases, or reduced services—because a tenant exercised a legal right. Retaliation is prohibited under Texas law.

12. When should a tenant contact a tenant rights attorney in The Heights?

Tenants should seek legal guidance when facing eviction, unresolved habitability issues, security deposit disputes, discrimination, retaliation, or lease enforcement conflicts.