Jan 16, 2007 10:35 pm US/Central
Know Your Renter's Rights
by Tiani Jones
GRAND PRAIRIE (CBS 11 News) ―
As temperatures continue to fall, it's important to know your rights if you're a renter.
State law says landlords must provide you with heat and hot water.
Residents at the Donna Lynn Apartments in Grand Prairie were forced to boil water because the faucets only had one temperature, cold.
"Since November 21st we haven't had hot water," says renter Stephanie Stephens.
She says the situation for her and her daughter, who is on a feeding tube, is dangerous. Her doctors gave her a frightening warning.
"They told me that if I don't get out of here, CPS will be called," she said.
Whether it's dilapidated living conditions or safety hazards like the lack of hot water, the landlords duties are not optional.
Housing and neighborhood services stepped in when Donna Lynn Apartments failed to provide their residents with water warmer than 110 degrees.
"We are able to issue a citation for each day the unit is in violation," said Esther Coleman, City of Grand Prairie.
While Grand Prairie has ordinances that regulate multi-family housing units, the State of Texas has specific rules.
Renters have the right to peace and quiet, health and safety (hot water and heat fall under this category) and security.
Along with the state, most cites have very specific guidelines that cover rental units like electrical wiring regulations and solving plumbing, structure and foundation issues.
When there's an issue, a simple call to the local housing or code departments is the first step to remedy a problem.
(CBS 11 News)
