Step Two:
Notify the landlord in writing of the problem(s) and keep a
copy. An oral notice rarely triggers your legal rights and
an oral notice is difficult prove. The written notice
should have the date, the type of problem, and your name
and address. It is also a good idea to ask in the notice
why the problem has not been fixed already (if you have
told them about this before). Use our form notice if you like. You can deliver
the notice in person to the manager or other person who
collects the rent, but sending the notice certified mail,
return receipt requested, is the best choice for two
reasons: first, you will have solid proof that the landlord
got your notice; and second, according to the repair
statutes, you only have to give a landlord one notice of a
problem if it is sent certified (and the manager also knows
you mean business). See Tex. Prop. Code ß 92.056(a)(3). If you
deliver the written notice in person or regular mail, then
to secure your rights under the repair statutes you must
send the landlord two notices giving the landlord time to
repair the problem.
Continue on to step three...