Blog

As a landlord in Texas, protecting yourself from liability is essential to running a successful rental business. From creating a strong lease agreement to ensuring compliance with housing laws, taking the right precautions can help you avoid legal pitfalls and costly disputes. This article outlines key steps to reduce your risk, including proper documentation, routine maintenance, and clear communication with tenants. By proactively addressing potential issues, you can safeguard your property, maintain positive tenant relationships, and limit your exposure to liability. Key Takeaways Using a vetted lease agreement like the Texas Association of Realtors (TAR) Lease can help reduce liability by covering essential legal protections for landlords. Regular property maintenance and proactive inspections minimize liability by addressing potential hazards early and preventing costly damages or injuries. Clear, documented tenant communications and adherence to non-discriminatory rental qualifications protect landlords from legal…Read More

In this article, you will discover: The difference between a writ of possession and a notice to vacate. When to file a writ of possession. What to do if a tenant refuses to leave after filing a writ of possession. What Is The Difference Between A Writ Of Possession And A Notice To Vacate? A writ of possession and a notice to vacate are two key steps in the eviction process, but they serve different purposes. A writ of possession is the final court order requiring a tenant to leave the property. It is issued after the landlord wins a judgment and no appeal is filed. The landlord must request the writ, which the court then signs. Once signed, the writ directs the constable to post a 24-hour notice on the property. While the notice gives the tenant a short…Read More

Facing an eviction—whether you're a landlord or tenant—can be a stressful and confusing experience. Understanding the legal grounds for eviction in Texas and knowing your rights can help you navigate the process with more confidence.  Whether it's due to nonpayment of rent, property damage, or illegal activity, landlords must follow proper legal procedures to regain possession of their property. This guide outlines the most important aspects of eviction in Texas, giving you the clarity needed to protect your rights and avoid costly mistakes along the way. Key Takeaways Nonpayment of rent is a primary justification for eviction in Texas, as rental agreements are considered business contracts with clear obligations. Illegal activity or significant property damage, if outlined in the lease, can be grounds for eviction, and landlords must act swiftly to protect their property and interests. Tenants who remain after…Read More

Planning your estate is one of the most important ways to protect your family and ensure your wishes are carried out. However, common mistakes can lead to unnecessary legal battles, financial strain, and stress for your loved ones. By being aware of these pitfalls, you can take proactive steps to avoid them and create a solid plan that gives you and your family peace of mind. This guide will walk you through the top six mistakes to avoid when planning your estate in Austin, Texas, helping you secure your assets and protect your family’s future. Key Takeaways Failing to create a will can leave your estate vulnerable to state intestacy laws, leading to lengthy and costly legal proceedings for your loved ones. Major life changes like divorce, a new child, or a family death require timely updates to your estate…Read More

Planning for your future is an essential step to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are honored according to local laws. While the process may seem complex, creating an estate plan offers clarity and peace of mind, knowing your assets will be handled just as you intend.  By taking control now, you can safeguard your family’s future and avoid potential legal complications. This guide will walk you through the key steps of estate planning in Texas, helping you feel confident and empowered as you prepare for the road ahead. Let’s get started together. In this article, you can learn about... The initial steps of estate planning in Texas, including evaluating your assets and meeting with an attorney. Key documents for a Texas estate plan, such as a will, beneficiary designations, and powers of attorney. Important factors to consider…Read More

If there is a will, the executor named in the will is presumed to be responsible to handle the probate process. They have the priority to do so. Sometimes, you can run into an executor who is kind of shady, and who isn’t moving forward to court. Once a period of time has passed and the named executor has not proceeded in court, one of the heirs can petition with the court to ask the court to replace the named executor. The people that can ask for an executor’s powers include a spouse, children, parents, and siblings. The list goes all the way down to the next of kin for the probate to occur. Can There Be More Than One Person Designated As A Personal Representative To Handle The Probate Process? In the probate process, there can be more than…Read More