A home attorney Katy, TX, manages the property-related legal matters of a landlord. They write lease agreements, handle eviction notices, and resolve disputes. John Okonji is a licensed home attorney and landlord-tenant lawyer. He provides direct and personalized legal aid to property owners in Katy.
Role of A Home Attorney Katy, TX
A real-estate home attorney drafts a lease agreement and deed of sale. John Okonji is a home attorney who handles real estate transactions, landlord-tenant disputes, and eviction cases. He guides landlords through landlord-tenant law.
Okonji ensures that the landlord’s contract or lease agreement agrees with their set of conditions under the law. He makes sure that the drafts are correctly written to prevent future disputes. Upon writing the draft, Okonji breaks down complex legal topics in simple terms so that landlords are fully informed of the status of their property.
Okonji guides landlords throughout the process as their home attorney. After consultation, he prepares all the necessary paperwork to ensure the drafts are written in the landlords’ best interests. Afterward, the landlord and tenant can sign the documents.
The signing of documents affirms the presence of the landlord and tenants. It is a document stating the landlord and tenant have agreed to the written terms and conditions in the contract or agreement. It affirms that all of the information written in the contract is legal and correct.
How A Home Attorney Helps Landlords in Property Management Issues
Landlord-Tenant Law
Landlord-tenant law governs rental properties. If a tenant does not follow the law, legal action may follow. Okonji is a landlord-tenant lawyer and an in-house property lawyer who breaks down landlord-tenant law simply so landlords can fully understand their rights as landowners.
Okonji reviews documents and gives landlords advice. He also acts as a property dispute attorney. He represents landlords during legal disputes to protect their rights. The landlord-tenant law includes the following law and state regulations of the following:
- Lease agreements
- Rent collection
- Property repairs
- Security deposits
- Evictions
Texas Property Code
The Texas Property Code is a set of laws that outline the rights and responsibilities of property owners and tenants in Texas. It explains how to legally handle leases, evictions, security deposits, and other property-related issues. Most landlords are unfamiliar with every section of the Property Code.
John Okonji explains what landlords need to know to comply and avoid penalties and imprisonment legally. For example, the Property Code requires landlords to return security deposits within a specific time frame. It also describes how to carry out tenant evictions legally. He guides landlords in property-related laws to protect their property.
Texas Has No Rent Control Laws
Unlike some other states, Texas does not have statewide rent control laws. If they follow proper legal steps, landlords can set their rental rates and raise the rent as soon as the lease ends.
Okonji advises landlords on how to set fair rent prices. He also updates the landlords’ leases if they want to increase the rent. He is in charge of the legal process of a landlord’s transactions.
Late Fees and Grace Period Regulations in Texas
Texas does not require landlords to charge late fees. If a landlord charges a fee, it must be included in the lease agreement. The average grace period in Texas is one day only, so if a tenant pays after the stated due date, the tenant’s payment is already late. A landlord can impose a penalty for late payments.
Okonji writes lease agreements stating the rental payment due date, grace period, and recurring penalties for late payments. Well-written lease agreements prevent misunderstandings and protect the rights of the landlords if a dispute arises.
Eviction Laws in Texas
Landlords have the legal right to evict a tenant under certain conditions. Here are some of the legal grounds for tenant eviction:
- Nonpayment of rent
- Breach of contract
- Criminal activity on the property
In Texas, the process is called “eviction,” “forcible entry and detainer,” or “forcible detainer suits.” Before starting eviction, the landlord must send a three-day notice upon the eviction of a tenant. Okonji assists landlords in handling legal evictions. He prepares the legal documents and explains the legal process as the landlord’s legal representative if they resort to civil litigation.
Security Deposit Regulations in Texas
Texas law allows landlords to collect any amount as a security deposit, with no maximum amount. However, landlords usually ask for only one month’s rent. After receiving the security deposit, they issue a written receipt for the deposit to acknowledge the payment.
The law says landlords must return the deposit within 30 days after the tenant moves out. If any part of the deposit is kept, the landlord must provide an itemized list of damages and repair costs.
It is much better to hire a home attorney since they can write clear security deposit policies. Okonji can give legal advice on returning the security deposit upon moving out to avoid legal complications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are Texas’s state regulations of security deposit and payments?
According to the Texas Property Code, a landlord must return the security deposit within 30 days after the tenant moves out. They can deduct the deposit if there is damage to the rental property as soon as the tenant moves out.
Q: Can a landlord immediately go to their rental property without any permission from the tenant?
Texas law does not grant landlords the right to enter rental property without notice unless it is stated in the lease or there is an emergency. Usually, landlords need a tenant’s permission.
Home Attorney: A Legal Aid For Property-related Issues
A home attorney provides legal aid for landlords regarding property-related issues. They can draft lease agreements, initiate legal evictions, and settle landlord-tenant disputes. They protect landlords’ rights and comply with local and state laws to avoid penalties.
John Okonji is a trusted home attorney in Katy. He offers personalized guidance and straightforward legal advice to property owners. He is an expert in landlord-tenant law and the Texas Property Code.
Okonji informs landlords every step of the way. Having a skilled home attorney like Okonji by your side makes all the difference. Call and visit Okonji today. You can also read our blogs for more information.
Katy, TX, Fun Facts
- The community celebrates its agricultural legacy yearly during the Katy Rice Harvest Festival.
- Katy, TX, is renowned for its tenacious character. It quickly recovered and expanded after the catastrophic storms during the previous century.
- The Katy Heritage Museum houses exhibits and artifacts. It represents the city’s rich history and cultural evolution.
