[TX] What can I do against a landlord who blocked me after I refused to pay an additional cost that's not on the lease?
Once I gave him all my info and payment, he blocked me.
I have no way to contact him. I have the keys and access to the house still.
How should I proceed?
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He cannot enforce that payment if it’s not in the lease.
You already have coverage, so you are compliant.
I recommend sending him a response letter stating:
- That you are in compliance with the lease
- That he is in breach of the lease
- That you demand continued possession (you already have keys)
- And that you will pursue legal action if he fails to uphold his end
I also suggest contacting a local attorney to prepare a demand letter and/or assist with filing suit if necessary.
You can contact the Texas State Bar for attorney referrals.
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So I recently just signed a lease agreement with a landlord to rent out a property.
Once I gave him all my info and payment, he blocked me.
I have no way to contact him. I have the keys and access to the house still.
How should I proceed?
I’m sorry to hear about your situation.
Have you tried reaching out to the landlord through any other means, such as email or a different phone number?
Yes.
Do you have a copy of the lease agreement and any communication you had with the landlord regarding the rental?
I have the lease but not any other contact info.
Is there anything else the landlord-tenant lawyer should know before I connect you?
Rest assured they’ll be able to help with your situation.
Yes.
Hey there! Welcome! I'm Lori, an attorney with many years of experience, and I’m here to help you. I’m on live with you today.
- What city/state is the rental property in?
- Did the landlord sign the lease as well?
- Did the landlord give you a reason for blocking you?
Fort Worth, Texas.
And yes, he signed it as well.
He wanted additional cost, and I told him no — due to it not being on my lease to pay.
Thanks for the information.
Is the additional cost listed in the lease?
No, it is not.
It’s home insurance. And I already got home insurance — don’t need to get his home insurance he wants me to get.
Which was $300 he asked for.
He cannot enforce that payment if it’s not in the lease.
You already have coverage, so you are compliant.
I recommend sending him a response letter stating:
- That you are in compliance with the lease
- That he is in breach of the lease
- That you demand continued possession (you already have keys)
- And that you will pursue legal action if he fails to uphold his end
I also suggest contacting a local attorney to prepare a demand letter and/or assist with filing suit if necessary.
You can contact the Texas State Bar for attorney referrals.
