Advise on handling dispute with tenant - lease terms - in Texas

[Amalia G.]

Hello Everyone,

I'd love some advise on how to handle a difficult tenants request.

In summary, this is a nice unit, not a slum and I maintain all my units. I am on good terms with most all my tenants as I make a point to take care of them.

That being said this tenant is quite a headache and often making outlandish requests.

Here is what is going on:

He sent an email a few weeks back, saying he saw some rat droppings in his closet and then went on to say he is sure they are coming from his neighbor (other side of a side-by-side duplex). He claimed she admitted she had rats and thus was requesting we get her to pay for abatement for him.

Well, we talked to said neighbor who said she did nothing of the sort, and obviously we would not try and get her to pay for any repairs on his unit regardless..

I wrote him a polite email explaining that, per his lease, he needed to handle any pest problems himself and that his neighbor admit or not admit of guilt wasn't relevant. 

Now yesterday I received a certified letter in the mail claiming he has a rat infestation in the walls of his duplex. He is now saying they are getting in through some gap (first time he has mentioned it). He is syaing is consititues and threat to his health and safety and that they expect it resolved or he plans to excericse  chapter 92, subchapter B of the texas property code.

I believe the correct action plan is to fix any gaps into their living space (the first time we have head about any gaps) and then let them deal with the 'rat infestation'. I am fairly certain that they have not even seen an actual rat, just droppings.

I'd like advise on if my action plan is correct on how to respond and on the right wording to respond appropriately and legally.

I'd be willing to pay fee to have a letter drafted up as well.

I find it quite sad that this tenant believes sending threatening letters is the best way to handle this. We have never shown a lack of commitment or compassion in handling issues at their unit and its just  a bad way to go about working with people in my opinion. Clearly I do not plan to renew with him but i'd like to live out their lease peacefully.

Thank you for any and all advise!

[Kim Meredith Hampton]

I would take care of the problem right away, you don't want to open a can of worms with the health department