Austin, TX asked in Contracts and Landlord - Tenant for Texas

Q: Hi, I signed a lease to rent a property and after living here I realize that there is a roach infestation.

Also, management failed to clean the property before my lease started. Can I get out of the lease?

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1 Lawyer Answer
John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
Answered
  • Frisco, TX
  • Licensed in Texas

A: Maybe, but probably not. It depends on the language of your lease, whether the infestation is so pervasive it renders the premises uninhabitable, and local ordinances governing rental property.

You should definitely give your landlord written notice about the condition of the rental property and what you think needs to be done to eliminate the infestation and properly clean the premises. Often. Ideally weekly. And keep copies along with any replies.

Check your lease to see what form of written notice is required and follow it.

In the current market, many landlords will release complaining tenants from their lease because it is relatively easy to replace them with less demanding ones.

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