High Temperatures

[Adiasmom]

What is the name of your state? Texas I will try to keep this short, but I need some advice. My husband recently was transferred to Austin, TX. We are renting a new home until we learn the area for a purchase. We contacted our new landlord about 3 weeks after moving in becasue our ac unit wasn't working properly. The property magament company sent out their "expert" to repair it. No one has lived in this home during the summer to discover the air doesn't work. I'm not sure how it even passed code. Our air supply ranges from 54 to 102 degrees at any given time. However, even when it is low it just can't keep up. He said the builder cut costs with a much too small unit and it would never entirely cool the home. It does not have enough power to blow to the end of the ductwork, which happens to be the master bedroom and bathroom. The Freon freezes up and blocks cool air from entering the unit because it is constantly running. Therefore, we were told to turn the unit off to let the Freon melt OR turn on the heat in order for it to melt, then cool the home. We are running one floor at a time in an attempt to find relief, but with it being 103 outside it just can't keep up. Our bedroom is usually 77-80 degrees, with no downstairs bedroom to move to. We just received our electric bill for over $300. I am certain this is due to running it constantly. So, here we are three weeks later. We can't get the landlord to return our calls or emails. Does this fall under the health and safety tentant rights for the Texas Attorney General or are we stuck? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

[ecmst12]

You have to find out if AC is a habitability requirement during summer in your state or if not, in your city or county. I know in some states it is (Arizona) and in my state it is not. Look up "texas landlord responsibilities" or something similar. If it is required, you can call the housing inspector about the problem.

 

[Who's Liable?]

You have to find out if AC is a habitability requirement during summer in your state or if not, in your city or county. I know in some states it is (Arizona) and in my state it is not. Look up "texas landlord responsibilities" or something similar. If it is required, you can call the housing inspector about the problem.

X2 ... In AZ, the LL MUST provide A/C and a tenant can legally terminate a lease for the LL's failure to supply. Here it is a 5-day notice to comply as it becomes a life-safety issue. Do you remember back in the mid-90s when all the elderly people where dying because it was 120 outside.

Also, you cannot deny someone a glass of water if they ask for it too!