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About BTU The Record Take Action Tenant Resources Contact Us
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Know Your Rights. Take Action. Stay Informed.

Whether you're filing a complaint, preparing to move out, or considering your options, these resources are here to help.

Get Your Legal Resource Kit Here
Disclaimer: Not Legal Advice.
For legal guidance, consult an attorney.

    • Legal Rights Under Texas Law

      Tenants are entitled to certain protections under Texas Property Code Chapter 92, including requirements related to habitability and repairs.

      Landlord retaliation for actions such as requesting repairs or filing complaints is generally prohibited . Protections may apply when tenants provide proper notice, even if acting individually.

    • Demand Letters and Written Notices

      Sending written notice is often an important step when documenting issues and requesting resolution. Templates may be helpful for situations such as:
      - Utility interruption complaint (e.g., repeated outages)
      - Lease violations or service disruptions
      - Requests for repair of conditions affecting health or safety
      - Security deposit disputes

      Certified mail with return receipt is commonly recommended. Keep copies of all correspondence and delivery confirmation.

    • Small Claims Court

      If disputes remain unresolved, tenants may be able to file a claim in Justice Court (small claims court) to seek monetary damages, up to $20,000 in Texas.

      This may apply in situations involving financial losses, security deposit disputes, or other qualifying claims. Filing fees are relatively low, and attorney representation is not required.

    • Moving Out Safely and Strategically

      - Take photos and videos documenting the unit before and after moving
      - Submit all communications in writing (email or certified mail)
      - Provide a forwarding address and clearly request any deposit return

    • Legal Aid and Tenant Support

      - Texas Justice Court Training Center — Information on filing small claims cases
      - Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid (TRLA) — Free legal help for qualified renters in Texas
      - BASTA Austin — Tenant advocacy resources
      - Texas Tenants Union — Organizing and legal support statewide

    FAQs

    Can I be evicted for joining the tenants union or filing complaints?

    Generally, no. Under Texas Property Code § 92.331, landlords are prohibited from retaliating against tenants for exercising certain legal rights.

    Protected activities include:
    - Complaining to a government agency or utility
    - Requesting repairs
    - Organizing or joining a tenants union
    - Exercising rights under the lease or state law

    Retaliation can include actions such as eviction filings, non-renewal, rent increases, fee increases, or threats.

    If a landlord takes one of these actions within six months of a protected activity, the law may presume retaliation unless the landlord can show a legitimate, non-retaliatory reason.

    If retaliation is proven, tenants may be entitled to remedies under the statute, which can include a civil penalty (one month's rent plus $500), actual damages, moving expenses in some cases, court costs, and attorney fees.

    Does the building have to let me post flyers or notices about the union?

    Not necessarily. In most cases, landlords can set reasonable rules about what can be posted in common areas, including bulletin boards, walls, or elevators.

    However, if a property allows certain types of non-emergency notices (such as event notices or community reminders), applying those rules inconsistently may raise concerns about fair treatment of tenant communications.

    In addition, City of Austin Ordinance 20221027-025 provides protections for tenant organizing activities. These protections generally include the ability to:
    - Speak with other tenants, including door-to-door
    - Distribute written materials directly to tenants
    - Form tenant associations
    - Hold tenant meetings at the property
    - Invite outside organizers to assist

    The ordinance prohibits landlord interference with lawful tenant organizing activities.

    Tenants who encounter restrictions or uncertainty around organizing may with to document the situation and review their rights under local law.

    Are repeated water shutoffs legal?

    It depends on the circumstances. Under Texas law, landlords must generally maintain essential services, including water, and provide reasonable notice for planned interruptions.

    However, Texas Property Code § 92.008 allows temporary interruptions of utilities for bona fide repairs, construction, or emergencies, and does not require landlords to give advance notice in those situations.

    Whether a specific outage is lawful may depend on factors such as:
    - Whether the interruption was truly necessary for repairs or construction
    - How frequently outages occur
    - Whether reasonable steps were taken to minimize disruption

    Tenants who experience ongoing or unclear utility interruptions can:
    - Document the dates, duration, and communication provided
    - Contact Austin Code Compliance
    - File a complaint with the Texas Attorney General

    If a tenant believes a landlord has unlawfully interrupted utilities, Texas Property Code § 92.008 provides potential remedies, including statutory damages.

    What is a certified demand letter and how do I send one?

    A certified demand letter is a formal written notice sent by certified mail, which provides proof that it was delivered.

    It is commonly used to:
    - Document a complaint or request in writing
    - Create a clear record of when notice was given
    - Support claims where written notice is required under Texas law

    In some situations, sending written notice is a necessary step before certain legal remedies may be available. In others, it serves as strong documentation if a dispute arises.

    To send one:
    1. Clearly describe the issue and requested resolution
    2. Include relevant dates and supporting details
    3. Send the letter via certified mail (return receipt requested)
    4. Keep copies of the letter and delivery confirmation for your records

    Templates may be helpful for common situations such as repair requests, utility issues, or security deposit disputes.

    Can I legally break my lease if conditions are bad enough?

    In some situations, yes—but only if specific legal requirements are met.

    Under Texas law, landlords are generally required to repair conditions that materially affect a tenant’s health or safety. If serious issues are not addressed after proper written notice, tenants may have certain remedies, which can include lease termination in limited circumstances.

    In more severe cases, tenants may also raise a claim of “constructive eviction,” which typically requires that conditions are significant enough to effectively force the tenant to move out.

    Whether lease termination is justified depends on factors such as:
    - The severity of the condition
    - Whether it affects health or safety
    - Whether proper notice was given
    - Whether the landlord had a reasonable opportunity to repair

    Because these situations are fact-specific, tenants should carefully document all issues and communications before taking action.

    Should I consider small claims court?

    It may be an option, depending on your situation. In Texas, tenants can file claims in Justice Court (small claims court) without an attorney to seek monetary damages.

    You might consider small claims court if:
    - You experienced repeated utility outages or service disruptions
    - You were denied a refund, credit, or promised services
    - You incurred out-of-pocket financial damages

    Small claims court in Texas generally allows claims of up to $20,000. These cases are typically limited to recovering money, not requiring a landlord to take specific actions.

    The strength of a claim often depends on documentation, including:
    - Dates and duration of issues
    - Written communications with management
    - Receipts or evidence of financial loss

    Templates and general guidance may help with filing, but each situation is fact-specific.

    What's the difference between management and ownership? Who should I contact?

    At most apartment communities, there are multiple parties involved:
    - Onsite / Property Management: Handles day-to-day operations, leasing, maintenance coordination, and resident communication
    - Ownership: The legal owner of the property, typically responsible for overall compliance with applicable laws and major decisions
    - Registered Agent: A designated entity authorized to receive legal documents (such as service of process) on behalf of ownership

    Tenants can generally choose to communicate with onsite management first, but may also contact ownership or escalate concerns if issues are not resolved.

    Depending on the situation, different parties may be appropriate points of contact.

    Property contact information (for reference):
    - Onsite Management: The Bowie, 311 Bowie St., Austin, TX 78703
    - Property Management: RPM Living, 5508 Parkcrest Dr., Suite 320, Austin, TX 78731
    - Ownership: Bowie Apartments, Inc., 5910 N. Central Expy., Suite 1200, Dallas, TX 75206
    - Registered Agent for Ownership: CT Corporation System, 1999 Bryan St., Suite 900, Dallas, TX 75201

    What if management ignores my emails?

    If you’re not receiving a response, it can help to follow up and escalate your communication in a clear, documented way:

    1. Send a follow-up in writing (email or written notice), referencing your prior message and the date sent
    2. Use certified mail for important issues, so you have proof the notice was delivered
    3. Contact local agencies, such as Austin Code Compliance, if the issue involves maintenance, safety, or habitability concerns
    4. Keep records of all communications, including dates, responses, and any lack of response

    Keeping a clear paper trail can be helpful if issues remain unresolved.

    What if I already accepted a one-time credit or lease break offer? Can I still pursue legal action?

    It depends on the terms of what you agreed to. Some agreements include release language that may limit or waive certain claims, while others may be more limited in scope.

    Key factors can include:
    - Whether you signed a written agreement or release
    - How broadly any claims were defined (for example, past vs. future issues)
    - Whether the underlying issue has continued or occurred again after the agreement

    In many cases, agreements apply to conditions or damages that occurred before they were signed, and may not apply to new or ongoing issues.

    Because these situations are highly fact-specific, reviewing the exact language of any agreement is important before taking further action.

    Are landlords required to accommodate for construction-related disruptions?

    It depends on the nature and extent of the disruption. Landlords are generally allowed to perform repairs and construction, but they are still responsible for maintaining conditions that materially affect health and safety.

    If construction significantly limits access to essential areas or services—such as bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms, water, or electricity—tenants may have certain rights depending on the circumstances.

    Relevant factors can include:
    - The severity and duration of the disruption
    - Whether essential services are affected
    - Whether advance notice was provided
    - Whether reasonable steps were taken to minimize impact

    In some cases, tenants may seek remedies under Texas law, which can include repair requests, rent-related claims, or other relief.

    Because these situations are fact-specific, documenting the conditions and communication is important.
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    © 2026 Bowie Tenants Union. All rights reserved. Tenant organizing is protected under § 92.331 of the Texas Property Code. Retaliation is prohibited.
    The Bowie Tenants Union is an independent group of residents and is not affiliated with The Bowie, Bowie Apartments, Inc., RPM Living, L&B Realty Advisors, or their affiliates. All content on this site is for educational, organizational, and advocacy purposes, protected under Texas law and the First Amendment.