Tenant Rights to breake a lease

[Javier Acosta]

Hi,

In this case, I am on the other side (tenant) not landlord, and I'm in quite a situation, I hope someone here can help.

I just rented a duplex in Arlington Texas, and since I moved in the fridge has not been working.

I have reached out to the property mgmt about 8 times, and they ignore me. I have all the texts and calls as proof, but nothing in paper writting. It has been 20 days since I moved in.

In the contract, in the "special provisions" section it says that landlord will provide fridge and mantain it functioning. Do I have grounds to break my lease without penalty? Could the text msgs be used as evidence if we went to court?

Thanks in adv.

[Lynn McGeein]

Most state's landlord/tenant laws (easily found online) have a process by which you complain to the courts and escrow your rent with them rather than pay the landlord, then landlord is notified.  Or call the city and ask them the process. If you just don't pay rent, even with notice that it's due to repairs needed, you're likely not protected from landlord starting eviction, which could harm you in looking for your next place.