Texas Landlord Forces Tenant to Live With Roaches, Refuses Pest Control: ‘You’re Not Going to Have Any Fun Living There’
TEXAS – A Texas landlord is under fire after allegedly forcing a new tenant to live with a roach infestation, dismissing their requests for pest control and telling them: “You’re not going to have any fun living there.”
Tenant Finds Roaches on Day One
The ordeal began when a Reddit user, SelfishDroneMiss, shared screenshots of their conversation with the landlord on r/AmIOverreacting.
According to the post, the tenant had just moved into a new property when they spotted roaches crawling around on their first day. They immediately snapped a photo and sent it to the landlord, asking if pest control could be called right away.
The tenant explained that while the move had gone smoothly, they were reluctant to bring larger items into the home until the infestation was dealt with.
AIO new landlord refusing to fix bug problem because it’s only the first day I moved in?
byu/SelfishDroneMiss inAmIOverreacting
Landlord’s Dismissive Response
Instead of offering help, the landlord pushed back, replying: “Just so you know, it’s not a great look to be demanding things on day one.”
He suggested the tenant finish moving all their belongings into the property first, then “make a list” of issues so they could “talk and see what could be done.”
Adding insult to injury, the landlord said he might “see what could be done about the pests,” but made it clear he did not want to use any methods that would kill the roaches.
Online Reactions: ‘Cut Your Losses’
The shocking exchange sparked outrage online.
One commenter wrote: “In Austin, a city inspector can likely force a landlord to hire an exterminator for a cockroach infestation if it poses a health and safety risk to tenants. This is based on Texas’s ‘implied warranty of habitability.’ I would ask your landlord for their attorney’s contact information. Consider asking them to terminate your lease with full refund of deposit and find a better place.”
Another bluntly advised: “I would cut your losses, find a new place, and take the landlord to court for your money back immediately; you’re not going to have any fun living there.”
Tenant Pushes Back
In their messages, the tenant made it clear they planned to contact local authorities if the situation wasn’t resolved. The landlord reportedly didn’t take this well, dismissing it as a “threat” and telling the tenant to get in touch with his lawyer.
Bigger Issue in Texas Housing
The incident highlights the larger issue of habitability disputes between Texas tenants and landlords.
Under Texas law, landlords are required to maintain properties in a safe and sanitary condition, and cockroach infestations may qualify as a violation if they present a health hazard. Still, many renters say landlords exploit loopholes, leaving them to fend for themselves or pay for extermination out of pocket.
Do you think Texas should strengthen tenant protections to stop landlords from ignoring infestations like this? Share your opinion now with FatCityFeed.com.
