In texas, are apartment complexes required to compensate tenants for hotel fees when fixing an air conditioner

Question

we have an infant and for the past three days, our air conditioner has been out of service. there is no way that as parents, we could subject her to that degree of heat. it got to the point that she broke out into a heat rash. we have been staying in a hotel for the past two nights and were curious as to what measures, if any, the apartment complex has to take to compensate us.

Answer 1

As long as an attempt is being made to fix the problem, they are not liable for your hotel expences.  Make sure the work order for repairs is in writing, don't just make a phone call.  After a reasonable amount of time (usually around 7 days) you may terminate lease but not be reimbursed for time without.

Answer 2

Since it is temperature related you REALLY need a record of the temperature in the Apartment without the a/c.

Some temperatures are considered "health and welfare" issues. But I can't tell what temperatures that would be.

In the least if considered an "unhealthy" temperature then they need to at least compensate you for rent on the days you lost use of the apartment. Beyond that is questionable.

Good Luck.

Answer 3

Doubtful. Check your lease.

Answer 4

oooh, unfortunately it sounds more like a luxury item. however, if it was toilet fridge or i dunno, a neccessity, maybe you could sue.

ADVICE: find a non profit organization in your area who advocated for tenant rights. they are hard, oh so hard, to uphold because the people making money dont like to compromise. maybe talk to a lawyer for a minimal fee.

( i understand what you are going through, my toilet EXPLODED in the middle of the night and i ended up being flooded and without water or use of my carpet for two days, the only reason i did not sue was because i dont have kids - just me, and im young).

Answer 5

call your attorney general for your state and ask.

http://www.oag.state.tx.us/

My guess would be not having air conditioning in extreme heat would qualify as an emergency, but I'm not sure what the laws are in Texas concerning apartment landlords and tenant rights. your attorney general can tell you.

Answer 6

that's a tough call. but i'm inclined to say no. usually the apartment only has to compensate you if the place is declared uninhabitable. that can only be done by the city. although they should help you out they probably are not obligated to.