What Are The Rights Of Apartment Tenants Stuck Without Water?

After nine days without running water, Terrace Hill apartment residents Shauntel Manley and Sabrina Brink were frustrated.

“I want my water back!,” Manley told ABC-7.

More than a week after El Paso’s freeze, the women said the complex’s busted pipes are more than a nuisance, they’re beginning to cost them.

“I can’t cook,” said Brink. “We’ve wasted a lot of money eating out.”

Terrace Hill management told ABC-7 90% of water service had been restored as of Friday afternoon with the hope all units would have working water by the end of the day.

Similar problems continue to plague other El Paso complexes including The Crest on Shadow Mountain Drive and Indian Springs on Westwind.

Indian Springs was also hoping to restore water by Friday evening. No one from The Crest was available for comment.

State law requires apartment complexes fix problems like water leaks if the damage was not the result of irresponsible behavior by the renter. Apartments are also required to fix the problems if they pose a health risk.

The Texas Attorney General’s Office advises tenants with issues to hand deliver or send a certified letter to the apartment office detailing the problem. The office then has a “reasonable” amount of time to make a “diligent” effort to fix things, typically seven days. If the tenant does not see “diligent” efforts, then they may be entitled to break their lease.

The Attorney General advises consulting a lawyer before taken such action.