JP court can assist with suing landlord for deposit return
Q : I recently was forced to vacate the home I was renting due to flooding. My landlord refuses to return my deposit because he says I left the premises in deplorable condition. Where do I go from here?
A : go to the local justice of the peace court and sue him. You don’t need a lawyer and you may be able to get multiple damages if you gave him your forwarding address and 30 days have passed. You’ll find the staff at the JP court to be helpful.
Q : I took a cashier’s check to the title company to close on my new home. They wouldn’t accept it. What’s the problem?
A : Unbelievably, there have been many fraudulent cashier’s checks tendered at closings. Even though the Texas Department of Insurance says these funds are good, experience and prudent business practice suggest wired funds are the better alternative.
Q : I’ve been flooded out of my house. I was at a neighborhood function and a couple offered to have my family stay at their house until we could get relocated. They have a huge house and could easily accommodate us.
After a few days, they turned into hateful people and demanded that we leave. What can we do?
A : Get out as fast as you can. You have no rights as a tenant at will. This relationship will only get worse, in our opinion. You have enough to worry about, so don’t add to the issues. Q : Is it a flood when someone opens the dam without warning? A : This is the big question being asked by a lot of plaintiff ’s lawyers right now. A lot of litigation is about to commence over these issues. A number of these people didn’t have flood insurance because they were told they weren’t in a flood-prone area.
To send a question visit and select the “Ask A Question” button. Answers to questions do not contain legal advice. If you wish to obtain legal advice, you should consult your own attorney. George Stephens is the broker of Stephens Properties. Charles J. Jacobus, J.D. is board certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in residential and commercial real estate law.