Contractor Access at Rental in Texas

[Marek Berry]

Hi BP Family, I've just given notice to my tenant that I'm selling my SFH in Austin, TX. In an effort to have the home quickly ready to put on the market a few repairs need to be made to the home. It's becoming clear that my tenant is going to be difficult and mostly unavailable to provide contractors access to the home to give estimates and make repairs. For example, this evening he canceled an existing appointment with a tile guy 30 minutes before he was to arrive.

I've researched and can't find a clear answer—is my tenant obligated to provide access to the contractors? If he's not home can I insist that the workers have access to the house? The signed lease does include this item, which I'm hoping allow me to insist entry even if he is not on premises. However, I live out of state so won't be able to be there to let them in.

"ENTRY: Lessee agrees to allow the Lessor to inspect the premises and to show it to prospective Lessees, prospective purchasers, mortgagees, and contractors at any reasonable times."

Am I correct in thinking that section of the lease gives me the right, even if I'm not present? Thanks for any and all advice!

[Marek Berry]

@Corby Goade thanks for this.

I ended up telling my tenant that I had solved the problem of contractor access as agreed upon in the lease—we'd set up a lockbox and the contractors can let themselves in if he was unable to be home. Of course he doesn't want strangers in the house without him there so he quickly changed his tune and made himself available. I framed it as a solution to our problem and not as an ultimatum and it seemed to work.