As property managers for about a dozen homes in the North Dallas area, we are often asked what has to be repaired and who pays for the repair. It’s not just our tenants who ask, but our homeowners as well. The answer to the question is found in the Texas Property Code and the lease between the parties.
The Texas Property Code, paragraph 92.052 outlines the owner’s requirement to make repairs. Basically, the tenant notifies the owner of the need for a repair, the tenant must be current on all rental payments, and the condition materially affects the physical health or safety of an ordinary tenant. Further, unless the condition was caused by normal wear and tear, the landlord does not have to repair damage caused by the tenant, their family or guests.
The Texas Association of REALTORS® Residential Lease goes into greater detail in paragraph 18. The owner will pay the entire cost of repairing the heat, air conditioning, hot water heater, or water penetration into the home from structural defects unless the damage was caused by the tenant.
It also states that the owner will not pay to repair any items damaged by the tenant, water stoppages caused by foreign objects, or items that are cosmetic in nature.
In some of the older versions of the lease, there was a requirement for the tenant to pay a deductible for repairs to the property. The Texas Association of REALTORS® deleted that paragraph as it was inappropriately applied to all requested repairs. Some property managers are putting that verbiage into the Special Provisions of the lease but it should not be applied to all repairs.
It’s also important to note that not all owners use the Texas Association of REALTORS® Residential Lease but the repair process, what will/will not be repaired, and who pays should be in the lease. When in doubt you should seek proper legal advice.
Have a question or need more information? Contact us at 214-705-2470.
I was out staffing the on-site sales office at The Enclaves at Willow Crest this weekend. Wendy Leigh, the super on-site sales consultant, was enjoying a few well-deserved days off.
These new-construction townhomes are selling quickly. As I looked at the board, I saw that there is only one completed townhome available and half of the units in the next building are already sold.
The good news is the builder is pouring the foundation for the latest building this month.
If location is your main concern, look no further than The Enclaves at Willow Crest, conveniently located just east of the Dallas North Tollway and south of 121. The world is at your fingertips. Endless shopping opportunities, professional sports venues, fine dining, nearby golf courses and more!
With the end of year approaching this is a good time to shop for new construction homes. Builders are trying to wrap up their year and get the remaining inventory under contract.
Have questions or need more information? Contact us at 214-705-2470.
New Home Rebate
Purchase a new home through us and we'll help you with your closing costs! We'll give you a credit of 1.5% of the price of the home at closing to use towards your closing costs.
I bumped into a couple I know today. They know we’re Plano real estate agents and asked about listing their home. They were struggling with the timing. Do they list now or wait until the spring?
Traditional thinking is that the March-April timeframe is the best time to list a home. Since there are lots of buyers out looking, it’s a good time to be listed. While I agree with the basic thought, off-season listing can be more effective.
While there are not as many buyers out looking this time of year, the inventory of homes also drops dramatically. Sellers are pulling their homes from the market for the holidays with the intention of putting them back on in the spring.
New listings in the off-season have less competition and while there are fewer buyers, those who are out looking are usually serious about buying a home.
Think of it as Economics 101. While demand is lower, the supply of available homes is also down. Many of the listings that are on the market are vacant or distressed. You can take advantage of this by making sure your home is properly staged and show-ready. You only get one chance to make that first impression.
Fall is my very favorite season. The cool breeze replaces the sweltering still air of summer; football returns and has sports fans of all ages fired up, and people finally take the time to express thanks to those who mean the most during the Thanksgiving holiday.
The first “Thanksgiving” was in November, 1621 as the Pilgrims celebrated their first harvest, but didn’t become a national holiday until 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln declared it so in the midst of the Civil War. Today, many of us travel hundreds of miles to enjoy a bountiful feast surrounded by family.
You have undoubtedly noticed the plethora of television ads touting retailers’ Black Friday sales encouraging consumers to hurry into stores as soon as their empty forks hit the plate. I would urge you instead to slow down and enjoy the Thanksgiving weekend. Take this time to give thanks to those you cherish – family, friends, colleagues and clients. A little appreciation goes a long way this holiday season.
Opportunity knocks! One of a kind residential lot located in the heart of Turtle Creek Park. This lot offers the rare chance to build your dream home among the majestic trees on this heavily-wooded creek lot in the shadow of downtown Dallas. Located less than 3 miles to UTSW and Parkland Hospital. This lot is being subdivided from a larger estate and is subject to final city approval. Click on any image for a larger view.
This heavily wooded lot has majestic trees dating back over 50 years. The lot is located on an interior lot and backs to the Katy Trail.
The lot has had a drainage study completed and the preliminary plat has been approved by the City of Dallas.
The higher portion of the lot has a lush Saint Augustine lawn and is terraced down to the creek.
There are two preliminary plat maps. Final plat will depend on the buyers needs and desires.
Galvanized pipes have a coating on the inside that protects them from rusting. Over time harsh drain cleaners will eat away the coating and eventually the pipe itself.
Fix a slow drain: pour in 1/2 cup of baking soda, add 1/2 cup white vinegar and follow with a pot of hot water when it stops bubbling.
Tubs and showers should be fitted with strainers that catch hair and soap chips. Clean the strainers regularly.
Garbage Disposal:
• No bones and always use cold water
• Use small pieces of citrus fruits to freshen
• Though ice does not sharpen the blades as commonly mistaken, it does knock off debris and keeps it cleaner.
• Freeze lemon juice and grind small pieces in the garbage disposal – smells good and disinfects, too.
In a plumbing emergency, you’ll need to stop the flow of water quickly. To do this, you and each member of your family need to know the location of the shutoff valve for every fixture and appliance, as well as the main shutoff valve for the house, and how they operate. Operate these valves at least once a year to prevent seizing.
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
Gina Branch with RE/MAX Dallas Suburbs is not associated with the government, and our service is not approved by the government or your lender.
Even if you accept this offer and use our service, your lender may not agree to change your loan. If you stop paying your mortgage, you could lose your
home and damage your credit rating.
Comments are closed 
You must be logged in to post a comment.