Texas law requires landlords to maintain rental properties in a condition that is safe, sanitary, and fit for human habitation. In The Woodlands, Texas, tenants often rent within master-planned communities, apartment complexes, townhomes, and single-family residences where unresolved maintenance problems or ignored safety issues can quickly escalate into serious legal concerns.

The The Woodlands Office of the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC helps tenants in The Woodlands understand their rights when landlords fail to make required repairs, ignore serious habitability issues, or allow code violations to persist. Knowing how Texas law defines habitability—and how to enforce those rights properly—can protect your health, safety, and housing stability.

What “Habitability” Means Under Texas Law

Under the Texas Property Code, landlords must repair conditions that materially affect the health or safety of a tenant once proper notice is given. Habitability focuses on safety and livability—not cosmetic or aesthetic preferences.

Common Habitability Issues Include:

• No running water or hot water
• Lack of heat or unsafe electrical systems
• Sewage backups or plumbing failures
• Roof leaks, flooding, or water intrusion
• Mold or ongoing moisture problems
• Broken exterior doors, windows, or locks
• Pest or rodent infestations
• Fire hazards or structural dangers

If a condition threatens health or safety, the landlord generally has a legal duty to correct it.

Tenant Rights to Request Repairs

Tenants have the right to request repairs for serious habitability issues.

Proper Notice Is Essential

To trigger a landlord’s legal duty to repair, tenants must usually:

• Provide written notice clearly describing the issue
• Send the notice to the address listed in the lease
• Allow a reasonable amount of time for repairs

Many repair disputes in The Woodlands fail because notice was not provided correctly. Documentation—photos, emails, written notices, and repair logs—can be critical if the issue escalates into a legal dispute.

What Is a “Reasonable Time” for Repairs?

Texas law does not define a strict repair deadline. What is considered reasonable depends on:

• The severity of the condition
• The risk to tenant health or safety
• Availability of contractors or replacement parts

Emergency conditions—such as lack of water, sewage issues, or serious electrical hazards—typically require prompt action.

Code Violations & Local Enforcement in The Woodlands

Some habitability problems may also violate local housing, health, or building codes. Common code violations include:

• Unsafe wiring or missing smoke detectors
• Unsanitary living conditions
• Inadequate plumbing or sewage systems
• Structural safety violations

Tenants may report certain issues to local code enforcement, but timing and documentation matter. Improper reporting or failure to notify the landlord first may affect eviction or retaliation claims.

Landlord Retaliation Is Illegal

Texas law prohibits landlords from retaliating against tenants who act in good faith by:

• Requesting lawful repairs
• Reporting unsafe or unhealthy living conditions
• Exercising tenant rights under Texas law

Retaliation may include eviction threats, rent increases, reduced services, or harassment.

Tenant Remedies When Repairs Are Ignored

If a landlord fails to make required repairs after proper notice, tenants may have legal options, including:

• Court-ordered repairs
• Lease termination (in limited circumstances)
• Repair-and-deduct remedies (strict rules apply)
• Damages or rent reductions

These remedies are technical and must be handled carefully to avoid eviction or lease violations.

How The Woodlands Office Can Help

The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC assists The Woodlands tenants with:

• Repair and habitability disputes
• Code violation issues
• Retaliation claims
• Eviction defense related to repair requests
• Enforcing landlord obligations under Texas law

Our The Woodlands Office focuses on protecting tenant rights under Texas law.