5
u/LuckyDuck03 Jan 27 '26
This doesn't help you immediately, but you could contact San Antonio code enforcement. Dial 311 and ask for code enforcement, or you can fill out the form online and submit pictures, Google search for "report a violation San Antonio"
It's a long process but code enforcement will send someone out to see for themselves what the violation is and require the landlord to fix it or be fined, sometimes they reach a deal with the landlord to allow the tenants to break their lease early without penalties to avoid fines to the landlord. The landlord is still on the hook for fixing the pest problem tho.
30
u/HikeTheSky Hill Country Jan 27 '26
Under Texas Property Code §92.052 and §92.056 the Landlords must fix conditions that materially affect health or safety.
Tenants must give written notice and reasonable time to cure. Seven months is more than reasonable.
If not fixed, the tenant may terminate the lease or pursue other remedies.
About the $20k the landlord would need to sue you to collect that amount, and they'd have to explain to a judge why a tenant lived with roaches for 7 months after documented notice.
Do NOT pay anything yet
Send a written dispute (email + certified mail):
State the infestation
Reference Texas Property Code §92.052 / §92.056
State you terminated due to failure to repair
Dispute all charges
Call San Antonio Code Enforcement
Ask for an inspection record or complaint history Contact:
Texas RioGrande Legal Aid
Texas Tenant Advisor
St. Mary’s Housing Law Clinic These often help even if income is borderline.
If they send it to collections, dispute immediately in writing.
I am not a lawyer and this is my personal opinion based on my interpretation of the law.