- Jurisdiction
- Texas
Hello everyone I am currently renting an apartment in Texas and about a month ago we were called up to the office where they informed us that the foundation was sinking and that we needed to move out. She told us that we had 15 days to move out but she might be able to push it to 30 but she would get back to us on that. They offered us 2 apartments that were the same floor plan but not upgraded like ours and wanted to raise the rent plus make us sign a lease. I told her that that was going to work and she said she would get back to me to see what else they could do but they could help pay for moving up to $1500. Well weeks went by and we never heard from her. Then about 2 weeks they stated calling us and coming to the door a couple times a week asking what our plans were but I keep telling her right now we have a lot going on and I would get back to her. On October 14th I received an email from the property manager saying that we needed to be out by November 7th which was the first time I had heard this date. Keep in mind that they have not yet given us a formal letter requesting that we vacate the building. Then on October 22nd the property manager left a letter on my door saying that we had 30 days to vacate the premises but the letter was dated October 15th so I confronted her about that and she said it was a mistake on her part with the date. I have recordings of our phone conversation where she admits to it.
This isn't the first time this property has tried to pull something shady so yesterday I went and spoke with a lawyer that said since they are the ones braking the lease then they should pay for everything to get us out like 2 months worth of rent and moving expenses. He stated that we should not feel this move at all since its an inconvenience to us. I went and spoke to the property manager and told her that we wanted moving expenses and 2 months worth of rent since thats what we would have to pay moving into a new rental property. She said she would check with her supervisor and get back to me. This morning she got back to me saying that they are not willing to do that and are only willing to pay up to $1200 to help us move.
I don't know much about rental/tenant laws in Texas so what are my rights as a tenant? Should I take them to small claims court to try to get the money or what are my other options? Right now being a student and taking care of my grandmother who lives with me, I can't afford to put out over $3000 to move into a new place. Right now our rent is $1635 to give you an idea of what we are paying. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you
This isn't the first time this property has tried to pull something shady so yesterday I went and spoke with a lawyer that said since they are the ones braking the lease then they should pay for everything to get us out like 2 months worth of rent and moving expenses. He stated that we should not feel this move at all since its an inconvenience to us. I went and spoke to the property manager and told her that we wanted moving expenses and 2 months worth of rent since thats what we would have to pay moving into a new rental property. She said she would check with her supervisor and get back to me. This morning she got back to me saying that they are not willing to do that and are only willing to pay up to $1200 to help us move.
I don't know much about rental/tenant laws in Texas so what are my rights as a tenant? Should I take them to small claims court to try to get the money or what are my other options? Right now being a student and taking care of my grandmother who lives with me, I can't afford to put out over $3000 to move into a new place. Right now our rent is $1635 to give you an idea of what we are paying. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you