GALF Austin

Landlord Tenant

There are various reasons one might get into a dispute with their landlord or tenant. Tenants can fall victim to landlords who illegally evict them, especially when it comes to deposits and property damage caused by the tenant.

Landlords can face significant damages when a tenant does not move out of a property timely, damages the property, or does not comply with the terms of a lease. 

Some disagreements between landlords and tenants result in the filing of a lawsuit, which may result in trial or may be resolved through settlement. Our attorneys can advise you on these matters at any point. Often, obtaining legal advice in the initial stages of a disagreement between a landlord and a tenant will save the parties time and money as opposed to waiting until the conflict has escalated.  

Gottfried Alexander Law Firm is ready to assist with your legal needs. We have a team of lawyers that can defend your rights and help you through any residential tenancy issue. With years of experience, we will make sure you are in good hands when understanding your rights as a tenant or a landlord. 

Austin Landlord-Tenant Lawyers

If you’re looking for an experienced lawyer to handle your concerns, call Gottfried  Alexander Law Firm Austin TX – Attorneys in Austin, Texas. We can help with any aspect of a case, from drafting leases and handling complaints to court proceedings, including eviction proceedings, when necessary. 

Our lawyers can also help you review or draft a lease that will comply with Texas law and is specific to your property. Obtaining legal counsel before entering into real estate agreements is important to allow you to:

  • Know your rights as a tenant or a landlord 
  • Resolve a conflict with your landlord or your tenant 
  • Determine if you have been unlawfully evicted
  • Resolve disputes related to security deposits
  • Pursue or defend a lawsuit with your landlord or tenant 

Advising Austin Landlords and Tenants

The Texas Property Code contains specific provisions related to landlords and tenants. Additionally, leases often contain detailed provisions and terms related to the rights and duties of landlords and tenants. Residential leases and commercial leases are treated differently by the Texas Property Code. We have experience with all types of leases and can advise landlords and tenants.  

Here at Gottfried Alexander Law Firm, our lawyers handle cases related to new and existing leases, disputes that may arise during the lease or at the conclusion of the lease, as well as when an eviction or lock out is needed.  

Security deposit return

If you are a tenant who is moving, it is important to provide a forwarding address in writing to your landlord and seek return of your security deposit. You have a right to an itemized list of any deductions and a return of the balance in 30 days.  

Damage disputes

Deductions from a security deposit should be made in accordance with the lease and the Texas Property Code. If a landlord or tenant is unsure if these deductions are proper, contact us for legal advice to make sure you are complying with the law. 

Failure to address tenant complaints

To provide a safe living environment for your tenants, a landlord should respond to reports and complaints in a timely manner. Failure to repair a condition that materially threatens the health and safety of a tenant can have serious legal consequences. 

Breach of contract

As with any contract, tenants and landlords have responsibilities to one another in a lease agreement. Failure of the landlord or the tenant to comply with the lease may be a breach of contract and may be actionable under the law. 

Retaliation

Under Texas law, a landlord is not permitted to retaliate against a tenant for good faith complaints. Tenants, do not, however, have the right to withhold rent because a landlord does not make repairs unless certain legal requirements are met. 

Legal advice

A lawyer can be an indispensable resource for renters and landlords. We help people understand the terms of their lease and the law so that they can act accordingly and not suffer avoidable legal consequences.