HOUSTON – Just because you’re renting a property, doesn’t mean you don’t have rights. And one southeast Houston resident is dealing with a tough situation about his own rights as a renter after complaining to property managers about not having hot water.
PREVIOUS: Southeast Houston resident faces eviction after complaints about lack of hot water
Jimmy Thompson first told KPRC 2′s Joy Addison about his situation, noting he’s lived in the complex for 6 years, where he’s also been without hot water. He stayed because people in the leasing office were nice and it’s a peaceful neighborhood with friendly neighbors.
However, Thompson recently complained about the lack of hot water to apartment managers and even demonstrated with a thermometer how the water never exceeded 78 degrees.
A few days ago, Thompson was given a notice to vacate his apartment.
“Due to this ongoing issue with the temperature of the hot water not satisfying you we will be releasing you of the Lease Agreement,” the notice read.
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It also says he will be required to continue paying his monthly rent.
“I know that we supposed to have hot water,” Thompson said. “I pay my rent. I do what I’m supposed to do as a tenant. You know, I’m not noisy. I don’t mess with nobody. I don’t hang outside. I don’t do none of that. All I do is I just, you know, I’m just working. I come home. That’s it.”
Texas law prohibits a landlord from retaliating against a tenant for complaining about a repair. An attorney with Lone Star Legal Aid also backed up these claims.
“After having read the letter, I would say that is likely a form of retaliatory fire,” Erik Kwartler said.
The first step - talk to the landlord about enforcing your rights - and send a certified letter to them - make sure you make a copy.
If that doesn’t work, report it to the state and consider filing a lawsuit with the State’s Justice Court.
If a judge decides your landlord HAS retaliated against you, you could be awarded one month’s rent plus $500, moving fees, legal fees, and possibly an injunction to stop the eviction.
Click here to learn more about evictions and landlord/tenant laws. You can also click here to report landlord retaliation.
