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Wednesday, September 06, 2017

Landlords demand rent for flooded homes from Hurricane Harvey victims

Victims of Hurricane Harvey have spoken out after landlords demanded rent from their flooded, uninhabitable homes.

As they piece their lives back together, buying new furniture and other belongings after replacing those lost and finding alternate accommodation, some have been slapped with fees from landlords, who demand rent for the flooded homes the victims had to flee.

Rocio Fuentes told The Guardian she has been asked for money by her landlord.

She said: "Our landlords say we have to pay rent and late fees and every day it is going up.

"We are paying rent for somewhere we can’t live in. They said ‘you aren’t the only ones in this situation’, but what are we supposed to do? We don’t have any money. We don’t have anything."

Texas property code states that if a property is "totally unusable" due to a disaster then either the landlord or tenant can terminate the lease through written notice.

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10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good Property Code !!! Landlords Crazy > Nothi'n Coming !
Nobody going to pay them...........

Anonymous said...

Since the home was damaged through flooding and is unlivable, I would tell that landlord to go pound sand!
The landlord also has a responsibility. I'm sure this will end with Judy Judy!

Anonymous said...

Did anyone ever think that it just maybe the back rent that's owed. I know everyone around here pays there rent on time and never gets behind but maybe they do in Texas.

Anonymous said...

According to the article in Texas they have to submit a letter saying they are breaking the lease but you would think in a major disaster like this it would be unnecessary.

Anonymous said...

Owned by John Cannon.?

Anonymous said...

That's certainly a point worth exploring case by case.

Anonymous said...

As it might be coming here this next week, maybe our local governments should get their ducks in a row over this issue.

Anonymous said...

Property Code says it all !! Everyone Off the Hook !!!

Anonymous said...

Karma will find those landlords rest assured.

Anonymous said...

Does Salisbury's code protect renters the same way?