Texas Law and Landlord Repair

Texas has several laws governing Arlington property management procedures and requirements. These laws ensure tenants are protected from dangerous or unreasonable living circumstances. If Arlington property managers fail to meet these requirements, a tenant may pursue litigation, and a landlord will not be protected by just claiming he or she did not know about the laws.

Here is an overview of several aspects of the law to get you started. A more in-depth study of these laws, as well as employing Arlington property managers like those at Specialized RPM who are well-versed in local regulations is vital to ensure your property is managed according to Texas law.

Required Repairs

●     Habitable Housing

Every rental unit is required to meet a minimum standard of being “livable.” The language of the law says that Texas property owners must meet the “implied warranty of habitability” for the tenants. Ensuring that a unit has heat and warm water would fall in this category, so fixing a broken furnace or water heater would be considered a necessary repair according to the requirements of habitable housing.

●     Health and Safety

A tenant’s life should never be put at risk because of damage or disrepair to the property. So issues impacting the physical health or safety of tenants should be addressed immediately. According to SB 1448, failure to address issues of health and safety can lead to citations and include fines of up to $10,000 for the Arlington property managers in violation of the law. Issues of health and safety could include but are not limited to plumbing, pests, faulty electrical wiring, and roof leaks.

●     Security

Arlington property managers should ensure all rental properties are equipped with proper security devices for sliding doors, windows, and doors with outside access. Security devices should include keyed deadbolts for all outside access doors and a door viewer. Security measures should be provided and repaired at the landlord’s expense.

Get expert counsel on required repairs from Specialized RPM, you expert Arlington property management company. Learn more about their services at http://www.specializedrpm.com/