Tenant Law in Texas
In Temple, Texas, relationships between tenants and landlords can occasionally become strained.
Both parties to a landlord/tenant relationship are controlled by an extensive body of laws and regulations, defining their legal rights and obligations.
Landlord's Rights in Temple, TX
The most important and most noticeable right that a landlord has is the right to timely payment of rent from the tenant. This, of course, means that the tenant has a duty to pay rent.
Landlords also have a right to be free from damage to the rented unit. Tenants are expected not to damage their dwellings, intentionally or negligently. Landlords can deduct the cost of repairs from the tenant's security deposit. In general, tenants are not accountable for damage resulting from ordinary wear and tear.
Tenant's Rights in Temple, TX
Much like landlords have a right to get paid for the service they provide, tenants have a right to get what they pay for: a suitable place to reside. In Temple, Texas, all residential rental agreements carry an "implied warranty of habitability." This means that a landlord implicitly guarantees that any residence he or she rents will be fit for human habitation. In general, an unit will be automatically deemed uninhabitable if it lacks running water, electricity, heat, and acceptable protection from the elements. There are various more factors that can be considered, as well, but those are some of the basics.
In addition to habitable living spaces, tenants also have a right to reasonably safe common areas. Common areas contain lobbies, hallways, and stairwells - essentially anything that everyone living in an apartment complex has access to. These common areas must fulfill the building standards of Temple, Texas, and must not contain any unnecessary safety hazards.
Under federal and Texas law, tenants are also entitled to protection against discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, marital status, or gender. Such discrimination can lead to grave civil penalties against the landlord. Landlords further cannot discriminate against tenants based on physical disability, and have to make reasonable accommodations for physically disabled tenants. For instance, they have to allow disabled tenants to make minor physical alterations to the unit (at the tenant's expense) to make it more accessible. Now, they don't need to allow the tenants to have the building remodeled. We're just talking about things like installing handrails in the bathroom, and similar things. The landlord can, however, require tenants to restore the apartment to its original condition, at the tenant's expense, once the tenant leaves.
Lastly, tenants are legally protected from arbitrary eviction. Landlords typically must have a very good reason to evict a tenant before the lease agreement reaches the end of its term (at this point, they are of course allowed to decline to renew the lease). Of course, if the tenant breaches the lease agreement (such as by failing to pay rent, damaging the property, or violating other reasonable rules the landlord has put in the lease), the landlord, like a party to any other contract, is free to terminate the agreement and evict the breaching tenant.
Can a Temple, Texas Landlord/Tenant Lawyer Help?
Whether you are a landlord or a tenant, chances are that you want to prevent conflict. But if you do end up in a seemingly irresolvable conflict with the other party, a Temple, Texas attorney can help you protect your rights.
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Was very good at his job and helped me get what I needed.
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Accountant
Actually, I did hire him but I basically handled my situation and got the necessary results before a contract was signed with Attorney Muller beyond the first 30 minute consultation. That said, he seemed very nice and if I would need an attorney in the area of his expertise I would contact him again. Thank you.
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thanks!
Was incredible, just who we needed to represent us with our needs.
Nicholas was very knowledgeable / Professional and knew exactly what to do. We was also very quick to handle my case. I will definitely hire him again.
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Nick was amazing. Not only did he take the time to fully understand our questions and needs, but he put in time outside of business hours when he really didn't have to. It's that kind of dedication that we were looking for, and for that, we are very thankful. We will definitely use Nick again of the need arises.
Nick Muller is an asset to the Legal community. Thanks for having Nick Muller on your team!
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I would absolutely hire Mr. MULLER again. He reached out instantly and his help was almost as quick. He was very affordable and after hiring him my rental nightmare ended and can now sleep again. I would highly recommend him. I seriously wanted to drive to Golden and hug him. He has followed up numerous times, but not overbearing. Superb service. Thank you again Mr. MULLER.
Mr. Mueller was absolutely wonderful to work with!! He was always quick to respond to my issues and questions about my case!! He worked expeditiously and with persistence to resolve the matter with an outcome much better than I had expected!! His kind and professional manner made it very easy to work with him again and I will absolutely use him again in the future should I have another need to retain legal services. I highly recommend him!! Thanks Nick!!
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