Damaged roof supports with tenants not leaving.

[Nathan Clark]

I live in Texas and one of my rental properties is having the roof slide due to broken supports. I've filed a insurance claim and have sent my tenants texts, emails and certified letter that the house is potentially unsafe and they need to vacate the property until I can get repairs done. I've sent them money for a hotel and keep offering to pay for a hotel until the problem is fixed or they find another residence. They do not want to leave as its an inconvenience to them and they don't think the roof is just going to collapse. They also have a 14 day old baby and don't want to move him.

I don't know what to do and I keep stressing for her and her family to leave the property. What can I do in this situation? Am I still liable? I messaged an online attorney and they seemed to think I had done everything in my power to alert them and that in Texas you have to let them know about the dangerous condition and take steps to remedy it.

[Scott M.]

Involve the city.  Call the building or health and safety department.  Generally they can assist.  You may also want to file eviction for the safety of the tenant.