Power Of Attorney Guidance

Summary

Obtaining a power of attorney (POA) allows you to act on behalf of a family member in legal matters. Ensure the POA is properly executed and notarized. If a leasing office refuses to acknowledge it, remind them of their legal obligations. You can contact the Texas Attorney Generals Office or a tenant rights organization for assistance. If issues persist, consider consulting a tenant rights attorney. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you can request a copy of your screening report from the leasing agent. Send a formal written request with identification via certified mail. If you need to act on behalf of a family member, inform the leasing office and provide a POA. Consider being added to the lease for smoother communication.

Full Conversation

Martha
Hi Martha! How can I assist you with your legal issue today?
Hi! My mother is on paid disability and she is renting an apartment close to me for convenience, but the leasing staff refuses to acknowledge me and I am her caretaker. She is having her second knee replaced next month, so she will be on narcotics and recovering in bed. What should I do to act as my mother basically so that the leasing staff listen to me?
Hi Martha! You should consider obtaining a power of attorney (POA) for your mother. This legal document will enable you to make decisions on her behalf, and the leasing staff will be required to acknowledge you.
Do you need information on how to get a power of attorney in Texas?
My mother did it with her mother, but yes please!
To obtain a power of attorney (POA) in Texas:
- Your mother must complete and sign a POA form, which can be found online or through a lawyer.
- It must be notarized.
- Ensure it specifies the powers granted to you.
Would you like details on where to find the form or a lawyer?
Also, we told the leasing office we would do this and they said they refuse to acknowledge this as well. I believe it's an ego/power character flaw with the person. I am not quite sure why they are being so difficult, but my mother is not going to hobble downstairs on painkillers when I can do it for her
It sounds like you may need to remind the leasing office of their legal obligations to recognize a valid power of attorney. Here are some steps you can take:
- Ensure the POA is properly executed and notarized.
- Provide a copy to the leasing office.
- If they still refuse to acknowledge it, consider contacting the Texas Attorney General's Office or a local tenant's rights organization for assistance.
Do you need information on tenant rights organizations in Texas?
I have done this and I really appreciate you clarifying Ive done the right thing. It just conflicts with their ego/power they like to feel when I remind them that they need to follow through with the law. I have also told them to add me to the lease, but that is also conflicting with their ego
It seems you've taken the right steps in obtaining and presenting the power of attorney. You might consider sending a formal written notice to the leasing office, reminding them of their legal obligation to recognize the POA. If they continue to be difficult, you could escalate the issue.
Would you like information on how to contact the Texas Attorney General's Office or a tenant rights organization in Texas?
yes please
Sure, Martha. Here are the details you need:

Texas Attorney General's Office


Phone: (*) *-*
Website: www.texasattorneygeneral.gov

Texas Tenants' Union


Phone: (*) *-*
Website: www.txtenants.org

Would you like assistance with anything else?
and thank you
You're welcome, Martha! It sounds like you've taken the necessary steps. If you need further assistance or have more questions, feel free to ask.
Yes please
Hi Martha! You're welcome. If you need any more assistance or have further questions, feel free to ask. I'm here to help!
I am starting to question their intent and I think they may be trying to take advantage of my elderly disabled mother. I have rental history and my mother owns her home, so we both agreed that I needed to be on the lease so that the deposit wasnt * times what it normally is. The leasing agent ignores or maybe does not know how to add someone to a lease? The deposit was almost $*,*. They also increased her rent almost $* before she moved in.
Case Rating: *.
It sounds like a challenging situation. Here are some steps you can take:
- Review Lease Agreement: Ensure everything is in order and legally compliant.
- Send Written Notice: Formally request to be added to the lease and address the deposit and rent increase concerns.
- Seek Legal Aid: Consider contacting a tenant rights organization or a local attorney for advice.
Would you like help finding a tenant rights organization or attorney in your area?
They also towed her vehicle the first day and if the tenant laws are correct and up to date with what i'm reading, they did so very illegally
It sounds like there are multiple issues here that may require legal intervention. Here are some steps you can take:
- Review Lease Agreement: Ensure it doesn't contain any illegal clauses.
- Document Everything: Keep records of all communications and incidents.
- File a Complaint: Contact the Texas Attorney General's Office or a tenant rights organization.
- Seek Legal Aid: Consider consulting a local attorney.
Would you like assistance finding a tenant rights organization or attorney in Texas?
and they work on contingency, correct? I guess it wouldn't hurt to have them review everything
Some tenant rights attorneys do work on a contingency basis, but it depends on the specific lawyer or law firm. You should inquire directly with them about their fee structure. Would you like assistance finding a tenant rights attorney in Texas?
yes please
Here's a tenant rights attorney in Texas who might be able to help:

Texas Tenants' Union


Phone: (*) *-*
Website: www.txtenants.org
Would you like more information or assistance with anything else?
Youre amazing!
Thanks, Martha! I'm glad to be of help. Given your situation, it may be beneficial to consult directly with a tenant rights attorney who can review your lease and provide specific legal advice.

Texas Tenants' Union


Phone: (*) *-*
Website: [www.txtenants.org](http://www.txtenants.org)

Would you like further assistance or have any other questions?
I just have * more question
Of course, Martha! What’s your additional question?
Am I allowed to request a copy of the screening I was given from the leasing agent when I was applying?
Yes, you are allowed to request a copy of the screening report. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), you have the right to request and obtain a copy of any consumer report used in the decision-making process by the leasing agent.
Would you like to know the specific steps to request this report?
yes please
To request a copy of your screening report under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA):
- Submit a Written Request: Write a letter to the leasing agent requesting a copy of the screening report.
- Include Identification: Provide proof of identity, such as a copy of your ID.
- Specify the Report: Mention the specific report you are requesting.
- Send via Certified Mail: This ensures you have proof of your request.
Would you like help drafting the request letter?
yes please
Certainly, here's a draft for your request letter:
---
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
[Leasing Agent's Name]
[Leasing Office's Name]
[Apartment Complex Name]
[Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Subject: Request for Copy of Screening Report
Dear [Leasing Agent's Name],
I am writing to formally request a copy of the screening report used during my application process for [Apartment Complex Name]. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), I am entitled to obtain a copy of any consumer report used in the decision-making process.
Please find attached a copy of my identification for verification purposes. I kindly request that you provide the specific report within 30 days of receiving this letter.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
---
Would you like any changes or need further assistance?
I will send this via email and certified mail today. Thank you so much. Ill wait on the draft, take your time
Sure, Martha! Here’s a draft for your request letter:
---
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Date]
[Leasing Agent’s Name]
[Apartment Complex Name]
[Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Dear [Leasing Agent’s Name],
Subject: Request for Screening Report
I am writing to formally request a copy of the screening report used during my rental application process, as per my rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Enclosed, please find a copy of my identification for verification purposes.
Please provide this report at your earliest convenience. I have also sent this request via certified mail for record-keeping purposes.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
---
Would you like any adjustments to the letter?
you a perfect!
Thank you, Martha! I'm glad I could help. If you need any more adjustments or have further questions, feel free to ask. Best of luck with your situation!
Just because Im lazy and youre AI can you draft me a letter to the leasing office stating that from here on out I will be acting as my mother until she is fully recovered and will provide a POA, or I can be added to the lease, which would be in their best interest. From today forward they need to comply
Sure, Martha! Here's a draft for your letter:
---
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Date]
[Leasing Office's Name]
[Apartment Complex Name]
[Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Dear [Leasing Office's Name],
Subject: Acting on Behalf of [Mother's Name] and Lease Addition Request
I am writing to formally inform you that, effective immediately, I will be acting on behalf of my mother, [Mother's Name], until she has fully recovered from her upcoming surgery. I will be providing a Power of Attorney (POA) document to confirm my authority to make decisions and act on her behalf.
Additionally, I request that I be added to the lease, which would be in the best interest of all parties involved. From today onward, I expect full compliance with this arrangement to ensure my mother’s well-being and to facilitate seamless communication.
Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
---
Would you like any adjustments to the letter?
you are perfect!!!
It’s great to hear that you’re satisfied! If you need any further assistance or adjustments to the letter, feel free to ask. Good luck with your situation, Martha!
Thank yous o much
You're welcome, Martha! If you need any more assistance, feel free to reach out. Good luck with everything!
thx
You're welcome, Martha! If you need more assistance or have any further questions in the future, feel free to reach out. Good luck, and take care!