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View Full Version : Grounds for eviction in Texas


nellie82
Jul 20, 2013, 09:49 PM
My landlord has hit on me and even tired to force himself on me I've tried telling his wife in hopes that he will quit and he kept pursuing me. After 2 months of defending myself from his harassment I get served with an eviction notice... I'm on a waiting list for an apartment but they say the waiting period is 2 to 3 months I have a 6 yr old with major inner ear problems and no vehicle as of 2 weeks ago. I have put at least 2 thousand dollars into the house renovating it since they said what ever I renovate will be taken off my rent, I've paid my rent in full and they have not deducted anything from my rent even though we agreed that major renovation likes rewiring the house would be deducted. Is it lawful for him to evict me because I wouldn't sleep with him yet paid my rent on time and turned it from a rat infested building with no electricity to a place that is livable? I cannot afford a lawyer any advice on how I can win my case and possibly live there under this never ending sexual harassment until the waiting period for an apartment is over?

Sincerely,
Lost and in dire need of advice

joypulv
Jul 21, 2013, 01:33 AM
Without proof that he hit on you, the courts will think you are making it up to get out of being evicted. I'm sorry you didn't call the police when he tried to force himself on you, plus withhold rent when you paid for the wiring, or work out reimbursement the month after you had it done. Or even insisted that the place have electricity from the start.
His wife may deny the harassment; we can't know.

All in all, you are going to have a tough time. You can try asking for an eviction hearing, and you can wait out the full length of the eviction without paying any more rent. Eviction doesn't take into account children or your loss of car, sorry. You can try taking him to small claims for the 2K spent on the house, but without an agreement in writing, that might be tough to win too.

ScottGem
Jul 21, 2013, 03:41 AM
First do you have proof of the agreement to reimburse you for improvements? Second, do you have a lease with a specific term.

If you are on a month to month lease, he can terminate the lease as ling as he gives proper notice. However, he can't terminate the lease in retaliation. If you can prove the harassment, you might have a chance. If you can prove you made the improvements you might also have a case.

You don't need a lawyer in housing court. But you may need to make sure you have the proper evidence.

I would definitely fight it. The worse that can happen is the judge orders you to vacate.

N0help4u
Jul 21, 2013, 06:52 AM
So what is it he is evicting you for? Take him to court to appeal. Take your rent and repair receipts. At. Minimum maybe you can get some of the repairs money back while he is looking stupid in front of the Judge trying to explain your harassment complaint.

nellie82
Jul 21, 2013, 10:29 PM
I'm taking my phone to my carrier cause I have text messages but the screen broke I believe they can print it out so I will have some proof I have also made statements on Facebook asking advice on how to get him to stop so I'm hoping that may be used as evidence I will gather my lease and every receipt and see what I can do from there thanks so much for the info

ScottGem
Jul 22, 2013, 02:59 AM
The Facebook stuff hold in reserve. That's no proof. Only text messages from him will be usable if at all.

You didn't answer about when your lease expires or whether you have any proof of the agreement on repairs.