The moment a residential lease is signed, both the landlord and tenant enter into a contractual relationship that grants them rights and gives them responsibilities with respect to the other party. When that relationship is strained, and a dispute arises, sometimes the landlord and tenant can come to an amicable resolution. Often, however, this is not the case.
If you are a landlord or a tenant and are facing a dispute you cannot resolve, we are here to help. Our law firm represents both landlords and tenants in leasing disputes and are prepared to fight for your rights, whether it involves negotiating a resolution with the other party or taking your case to court.
What are Your Rights as a Tenant?
In addition to whatever rights are spelled out in your particular rental agreement, Texas tenants are afforded certain rights. In general, tenants have the right to:
Quiet Enjoyment: tenants have the right to live in peace and quiet, and a landlord cannot disturb this right.
A Safe and Healthy Home: landlords must provide home security, such as deadbolts on doors and window latches, to ensure a safe and healthy home.
A Properly Maintained Home: landlords must make repairs within a reasonable amount of time after being alerted of the issue in order to protect a tenant’s safety and health.
What are Your Rights as a Landlord?
It is not only the tenants who have rights – landlords have rights, too. Probably the most important right landlords have is the right to enter a tenant’s space. Unless otherwise specified in the rental agreement, a landlord can only enter a tenant’s apartment or house for routine inspections or repairs, to show the unit to prospective tenants, or in an emergency. Other than in the case of an emergency, the landlord must usually alert the tenant and request entry before entering.
While not often thought of as a landlord’s “right,” tenants must comply with certain rules, and if they do not, a landlord’s rights will be violated. For example, tenants must observe the terms of their lease agreement, such as requesting repairs promptly.
Common Landlord-Tenant Disputes
A dispute can arise between landlords and tenants over the violation of their respective rights or any aspect of a rental agreement. Our law firm represents both landlords and tenants for a number include:
- Breach of the lease
- Property use disputes
- Failure to make repairs
- Early lease termination
- Excessive fees
- Wrongful evictions
- Past-due or overdue rent collection
- Deposit return
How Can an Attorney Help Resolve Your Landlord-Tenant Dispute?
When it comes to landlord tenant disputes, we take a common-sense approach. This means that we work toward a resolution that protects the interests of our clients - both in time, money, and resources.
We are experienced in negotiating with the other party or their attorneys, which is often enough to resolve the issue. If a solution cannot be reached through negotiation, our lawyers are prepared to take the dispute to court to protect your rights.
Contact us today to discuss the details of your case.
