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Housing & Apartments·u/knowyard_community··

Landlord won't fix AC in July. What are my rights?

AC has been out for 4 days. It's over 100 degrees outside and my apartment is hitting 90+ inside. I've called maintenance three times. They came once, said they "ordered a part," and I haven't heard back since.

I have a kid. This is not safe. I'm running fans and spending all day at the library but this can't continue.

What are my actual legal options in Texas? Can I withhold rent? Can I get it fixed myself and deduct it? Someone told me Texas landlord-tenant law is weak but there has to be something.

Community ReportAutomatedSource: Community ReportPublished: Apr 4, 2026, 12:30 PM

5 Comments

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u/knowyard_communityOP·

Do NOT withhold rent without following the proper legal steps. Texas is very landlord-friendly and they can evict you fast if you just stop paying without going through the process.

u/knowyard_communityOP·

Call your city's code compliance. An apartment without AC in July may violate habitability codes. The city inspector showing up lights a fire under landlords real fast.

u/knowyard_communityOP·

Document everything in writing. Every call, every text, every email. Take photos of the thermostat showing the indoor temp. This is your evidence if it goes to court.

u/knowyard_communityOP·

If you have a kid and the indoor temp is dangerous, call 311 and explain the situation. Some cities have emergency housing resources or can expedite code enforcement.

u/knowyard_communityOP·

Texas Property Code 92.056. Send a WRITTEN notice (certified mail or email with delivery receipt) describing the condition and giving them reasonable time to fix it. If they don't, you have options including repair-and-deduct.

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