Tenant Claiming Her Privacy Was Violated

[Bailey A.]

Hi All,

I currently have a tenant (in TX) who is claiming her privacy was violated along with the Landlord-Tenant Laws. I notified her on 10/11 that pest control would be coming to the property on 10/13. She responded "Outside Only" which I took as she's only seen bugs on the outside perimeter. Upon entry, the guy discovered a cat which is her second violation of the lease (along with smoking). He took pictures and sent them to me at my request. Now she is claiming her rights were violated because she didn't give permission and someone took photos of "her private space". Of course it has nothing to do with the fact that she got caught red handed (insert eye roll here). 

Am I legally obligated to give her the companies info? My gut says absolutely not but I want to make sure I'm in the right.

I can EASILY see now why landlords get made out to be the devil. There is no reasoning with some people. 

[Nathan Gesner]

Quote from @Bailey A.:

This is a good learning opportunity.

1. Your lease should make the Tenant responsible for pest control. Many of us will say the rental is pest free at occupancy and the Tenant is responsible for keeping it that way. In a place like TX you may want to set up a quarterly service and require the tenant to pay for it or build it into the rent. La Cucaracha!

2. Your lease should state that you have a right to enter for inspections, maintenance, and to show the property to potential renters or buyers.

3. I believe Texas law requires you to give written notice with a specific date/time of entry and you have to honor that schedule. If you want to change it, you have to give a new written notice. Texas does not say how early you have to give notice, but I think it's reasonable to try and give them several days notice.

Don't give her control. She was caught violating the lease. You could get rid of her or you can try to force her to remove the animal and clean up the smoke odor. I would probably just get rid of her because she sounds like nothing but trouble.