What type of legal action can I take against my property manager who refuses to fix flood issues in our house?

Question

We rent our home from Frontline Property Management in Arlington, Texas. The foundation and landscaping at the back of the house is so bad that every time it rains our house gets flooded and we have to live with the horrid smell it leaves behind. Are there any actions we can take against our management company?

Answer 1

If your property is not habitable -- and it sounds like it may not be -- you have the right to terminate the lease if the landlord or his agent (the property manager) fails to make timely repairs.

Answer 2

I can't speak for Texas specifically, but in Cali we had an issue with the pipes. Soaked the entire floor and carpet. The management company didn't want to fix it, so we called the Fair Housing Dept. and they told us we could deduct the cost to fix the pipes from rent.

We did that, landlord tried to evict us, so we went to court and won.

My advice in your position would be to try to get the F outta there asap. I know moving is costly and lots of people can't afford to just up and leave, but you don't need those headaches and you can bet this won't be the last problems you'll have with them.

GL to ya either way.

Answer 3

Very unhealthy environment, the smell comes from mold and that is a definite health hazard. You can and should report the situation to the Fair Housing Department in your city. They will investigate and take action. And you may have to be prepared to either 1) vacate the premises remporarily while restorative work is being done, or 2) prepare to move completely. :( In any case, please remember that this is dangerous to your lungs.

Answer 4

definately you can end the lease... make sure you read the contract well....and focus on what it says about repairs.