hot tub

[kkat]

What is the name of your state? Texas
I lease a duplex and have been there for 6 months. I have been to several websites to see what my rights are as a tenant and know the procedures for asking for repairs.
Here is the problem.
I have sent the landlord(s) 2 letters, by regular mail, with a list of items that need repair. I did not send a certified letter but know they were received because they were sent with the rent check, which was cashed.
All of the repairs are on things that should of been in working condition from the beginning.
Here is my question. There is a hot tub that sits on the patio in the back yard, broken & half full of slimy water that harvests mosquitoes. I do not want to spend money to get it going. I want to remove it from the property. I think it is unhealthy and could possibly be a liability.
The duplex has a bayou behind it and a walking path.
The fence around the back yard is so rotten & broken that I can only prop up large pieces of concrete or "whatever" to keep my dog from getting out. (I DID pay a pet deposit.) So, if anyone were to get into the yard/hot tub their could be consequences.
I think I am within my rights to have it removed since I have twice requested
repair or removal and it is unhealthy. I have had no response from the LL's.
I doubt I will because when the air conditioner was broken it took months for them to fix it and we are hot in Houston Texas.
What is your advice?
Thanks,

 

[FarmerJ]

Call your city to see if they have any ordinances addressing fence condtions &things that create conditions that can breed skeeters . Your next letter you need to send it registered return rcpt so you have a traceable means of delivery and address the fence and the hot tub and explain your concerns again and asking your LL to make the needed repairs in the next 10 to 14 days If they dont take any action then continue your post here for further INFO . BTW its up to your LL wether to remove the hot tub or not . If you ask them to do so nicely they might just do it .

 

[kkat]

Thanks Farmer. I will keep you posted. I have asked VERY nicely for all repairs (including the fence/hot tub) but I think the LL's are only interested in collecting rent. I will follow your good advice.
Regards, kkat

 

[You Are Guilty]

You can try reporting it to the Texas Department of Health (888)963-7111 and see if they can force the LL's hand a bit.

 

[kkat]

(You are guilty) Again, thanks for the advice, esp.the phone number for the health department. Last night I remembered that I only have a PO Box number and cell phone no. for the LL. So, no certified letter. I hate to irritate him by reporting the situation but unless he has a change of heart, which I doubt, I don't know how else I can resolve some of the issues. I have a two year lease so I would really like the fence, hot tub, water in the refrigerator, the rotted back door, the stove & micro that often do not work and a working smoke detector dealt with...........just to mention a few. Do you know if there is a way to remain anominous in reporting these issues to the health dept., or city ?
I know, stupid question but it's difficult for an old lady such as myself to find affordable housing.
Thanks for your polite & informative reply.
KKat

 

[kkat]

P.S. the hot tub was left by a former tenant so the LL did not install it.
If that matters???!

 

[HomeGuru]

P.S. the hot tub was left by a former tenant so the LL did not install it.
If that matters???!

**A: can't you drain it out or make stone soup for the neighborhood?

 

[kkat]

Aaaaah..........homeguru. I have been waiting for you. Wondered if you would stay true to form with the wise cracks. Sure enough. Yep, I could do that and poison all of us.
Nice response.

 

[HomeGuru]

Aaaaah..........homeguru. I have been waiting for you. Wondered if you would stay true to form with the wise cracks. Sure enough. Yep, I could do that and poison all of us.
Nice response.

**A: thanks......