When a tenant vacates your property in worse condition than expected, beyond scuffed floors or faded paint, it is easy to feel frustrated. You may have already ended the lease, only to find broken fixtures, water damage or unauthorized changes that cost thousands to fix and delay your next lease.
At that point, the question is not whether repairs are needed. It is whether you can hold the tenant financially accountable. Fortunately, eviction is not your only option. Legal action may help you recover your losses.
Enforcing lease terms
Most commercial leases outline the tenant’s duty to maintain the space. If they fail to meet those terms, you may have grounds for a breach of contract claim. These cases often involve repair obligations, restoration terms or return conditions. Courts can award reimbursement for repairs, cleaning or lost rent. To support your claim, document the property’s condition at move-in and move-out.
Filing a civil claim
Some leases do not address the kind of harm a tenant causes. Even without specific clauses, you can pursue a civil claim for damage to the premises. Texas law allows landlords to recover when a tenant’s negligence, such as ignoring a leak or altering structural elements, results in serious issues. These claims may cover major repairs, especially when safety or marketability is affected.
Requesting injunctive relief
Sometimes, tenants cause problems before the lease ends. If they make unauthorized changes or create safety risks, you can ask the court to stop further harm. Injunctive relief helps safeguard your investment and prevent more serious issues. Landlords often rely on this option in multi-tenant buildings or when the situation escalates quickly.
Restore your property and peace of mind
Litigation does more than recover costs. It reinforces your lease terms and the standards you expect from tenants. It can also lead to reimbursement, court orders or agreements that address the harm and preserve your investment. When you understand your legal options, you can act decisively and stay in control of the outcome.