Tenant Vandalism Reporting Steps

Summary

If your apartment is vandalized and your landlord isnt responsive, document the incident, file a police report, and inform your landlord in writing. If no action is taken, contact a tenants rights organization. In Texas, you may deduct repair costs from rent, terminate the lease, or sue for damages. Consult a local attorney for personalized advice.

Full Conversation

My apartment door was egged by kids yesterday and I told my landlord and she did nothing, what is the appropriate protocol for this action?
Hello ****,
In Texas, landlords are generally required to:
- Maintain the premises in a habitable condition
- Repair damages that were not caused by the tenant
However, damage from vandalism may not always fall under these obligations. You can:
- Write a formal letter detailing the issue
- Report it to the local police
- Consult with a local tenant's rights organization.
Thank you!
Hello ****,
In this situation, you can take the following steps:
*. Document the incident with photos.
*. File a report with your local police department.
*. Inform your landlord in writing about the incident, including the police report number.
*. If no action is taken, consider contacting a local tenant's rights organization for further assistance.
Landlord isn't doing anything.
Hello ****, if your landlord still isn't taking action, you may be able to take legal action. In Texas, you can:
- Deduct the cost of repairs from your rent
- Terminate the lease
- Sue for damages
Before proceeding, consult a local attorney to understand your rights.