Is there a law in Tx that if you are renting a property that the landlord has 7 days to fix major problems.?

Question

Ok when we moved in the AC hot water and Phone lines, dish washer, stove didn't work. We were ensured that everything in working condition being that all appliances were new but they didn't mention they didn't finish installing them. But the AC is the true issue. When the came and did a temp fix job and stated that they was going to replace the unit well that was 3 months ago. Since then they haven't been back to fix the AC until it went out and they did another temp fix that lasted less than a hour. I have a 3m old son and can have him living in this type of conditions. The temperature in the house @ 9:30 pm was 95. outside temp was only 76.

Answer 1

No. But what do you mean by "major problems?" There are ways to put pressure on the landlord or at least give you proper cause to break the lease. But certain steps must be followed.

Answer 2

Look, I have never heard of a landlord having a certain time limit on fixing something that has went bad on the property that they own. I do know that they are liable in having such fixed in a timely manner depending on the problem. You can call an attorney or check at the clerks office for more info in your area.

Answer 3

you will have to look at the lease agreement.  Im a landlord in UT so not sure about TX law.  But the lease should state that the landlord should fix the problem in a reasonble amount of time which is subjective.  If he doesnt you can void the lease contract.  I would keep notes of when you contact him and his response.

Answer 4

I had a day in court because a tenant thought that a week was too long to get an air conditioning unit fixed. I had arranged repairs as soon as I knew, had provided a couple of fans and a portable evap, and tenant was "on the list".  (In August, in AZ, these lists can be 5-10 days, and then there's the issue of getting parts shipped in)

The judge found in my favor ... she had been waiting 3 days for her AC repairman to get parts, after being "on the list" for a week and an half.

Answer 5

No.  There is no time frame stated anywhere in Texas statutes.  If the landlord is making a reasonable effort to mitigate the situation, that's all that needs to be done.

Answer 6

Most major problems can not be fixed in a week.     Supplies for major issues can not even be ordered that quickly.

Answer 7

Check this link for the law:

http://tlo2.tlc.state.tx.us/statutes/doc...

If it affects your material health and safety, it must be done in a "reasonable" amount of time.  So if your door falls off its hinges, that affects your safety as you have no door, and that would necessitate an immediate fix.  Most likely that will be determined by a judge in small claims court tho.

"(d)  For purposes of Subsection (b)(3) or (4), in determining whether a period of time is a reasonable time to repair or remedy a condition, there is a rebuttable presumption that seven days is a reasonable time."

Answer 8

You are correct that state and local law govern your situation.

You just have to know the law! Look here:

http://www.texastenant.org/rights/repair...

7 days is considered a reasonable time. Follow that link...

Answer 9

I've never heard of one