shady landlord

[BigDGeek]

Originally Posted by katgal

Well actually..he paid for it..800$..but now is taking of the rent next month...and expects the difference to be paid by me...or late fees..Rent not paid in full...eviction...etc....think I may need some legal advice now...

Time to lawyer up, I think; and ask your question in the rental forum if you haven't already.

[BstYet2Be]

Originally Posted by katgal

Well actually..he paid for it..800$..but now is taking of the rent next month...and expects the difference to be paid by me...or late fees..Rent not paid in full...eviction...etc....think I may need some legal advice now...

See Texas Tenants Union that's located here in Dallas, you might call them as they are usually very helpful (phone number listed on webpage) and can at least give you pointers on how to proceed legally from this point. Also, see Tenant Rights - Texas Attorney General's Ofc.

Good luck!
.

[bencronin04]

Does your lease say you are in charge of maintenance or repair? If you are in charge of repair....and you signed the lease, you might be in a bit of trouble. I would still contact renter's insurance and a lawyer.

[HockDad]

Here is my suggestion. Pay for the repairs. Don't give him any cause to evict you. Non-payment of rent, even if there is a legal dispute, is a basis for eviction.

Then go to the local Justice of the Peace. File a declaratory judgment lawsuit seeking a decleration and determination of the party responsible for the repairs. Use the phrase "force majure" and "act of god." Those legal defenses can sometimes be used to excuse a party from having to comply with a technical term of the lease. Argue that a lightening strike is different than a normal repair.

[TX75007]

For $800 I am not sure this is worth fighting. I would plan to leave when the lease is up. Pissing off a landlord is not something I would do lightly.

If cash flow is an issue, ask if you can pay $200 a month.

Just be glad that there was not some other issue where it would cost $30,000 to fix the pool.

On my homes, the renter is responsible for immediately contacting me, then getting things fixed. I then pay for the fix. Some of the men are very handy and fix it themselves. I just pay for the equipment. I know they get stuff like water heaters for free then do a dummy invoice at half price. I look the other way as stuff stays fixed and they are motivated to fix stuff...

They have to pay for the water for the yard, security system, and keep up renter's insurance. On my one ranch property, they have to keep the fences working and paint the barn every few years. And fix any wear and tear caused by livestock.

If I had a pool, the renter would have to keep the chmicals up and the pool filled, but if something broke, I'd fix it.

Your contract sucks. But this is a cheap lesson for you in the long run..