Quizzes

False. For parents to be bound as guarantors for the renewal, the renewal, among other things, must involve the same parties as the original lease. Because the parents' guarantee included the two roommates, the parties have changed. Consequently, the parents are not liable as guarantors for the renewal. If the daughter had kept the same roommates, then assuming all the other requirements are met, the parents would have been bound. (See Section 92.021of Property Code, pp. 25 and 26.)

False.The statute provides that, in addition to the same parties being involved in the renewal, there can be no change in the guarantors' financial obligation. Here, the rent increase changed the parents' financial obligation. Therefore, they are not bound as guarantors. (See Section 92.021of Property Code p. 26.)

False. A landlord may charge late fees when, among other things, the rent remains unpaid one full day. (See Section 92.019 of the Property Code, p. 25).

True. A landlord who violates the requirements for charging a late fee is liable to the tenant for $100, three times the amount of the late fees charged in violation of the statute, and the tenant's reasonable attorney's fees. (See Section 92.019 of the Property Code, p. 25.)

False. The late fee may include both an initial fee and a daily fee for each day the rent remains unpaid. (See Section 92.019 of the Property Code, p. 25.)

False. Landlords must install smoke detectors that are capable of alerting the hearing impaired in the bedrooms they use if requested by the tenant or as required by law. Otherwise, the landlord has no obligation to install smoke detectors for the hearing impaired. The daughter must request the installation. (See Section 92.254 of the Property Code, p. 18.)

False. Landlords have the right to terminate a lease if the activity involves a violation of Chapter 43 of the Texas Penal Code. This chapter deals with public indecency, such as sexual deviate acts and prostitution. Because the use and possession of drugs is not included in Chapter 43, the landlord has no right to terminate the lease for conviction of this crime. (See Section 91.003 of the Property Code, p. 26.)

False. The right of termination exists for the tenant that was assaulted, but it is unclear as to the other tenants who were not assaulted. However, to terminate the lease, the attack has to be documented by a health-care provider (among others). Thereafter, the tenant who was assaulted (and possibly the other tenants) may then terminate the lease and avoid liability beginning on the date after the tenant:

• provides a copy of the document substantiating the attack to the landlord,
• provides written notice of termination of the lease to the landlord on or before 30 days before the lease terminates and
• vacates the premises on the 30th day after delivering the notice to vacate to the landlord.
• There is no right to terminate the lease immediately in this instance. (See Section 92.0161 of the Property Code, p. 29.)

False. The tenants' ability to terminate the lease for a sexual assault requires the assault to occur within the prior six months. Thus, the right to terminate the lease expired. (See Section 92.0161 of the Property Code, p. 29.)

False. The only time the landlord may legally interrupt the tenants' electrical services after Jan. 1, 2010, is for bona fide repairs, construction or emergencies. (See Section 92.091 of the Property Code, p. 22.)

False. The tenant may get the electrical services restored by filing with the Justice of the Peace. If the landlord fails to abide by the judge's ruling to restore services, the landlord may be held in contempt and placed in jail without bail until the services are restored. But the statutes do not give the tenant the right to terminate the lease. (See Section 92.091 of the Property Code, pp. 22?24.)