QUICK SUMMARY/GOALS:

1. Prevent landlord retaliation, particularly in mold remediation cases
2. Wifi/wireless devices should be allowed as a security device
3. Exposing landlord retaliation in  properties
4. Enforce Tenants rights to emergency services without the concern of receiving a lease violation 
5. Require annual inspections for all low income families to prevent mold toxicity 

"As a family who has suffered the consequences of an unaddressed mold issue, unreasonable lease infractions, and unwarranted non-renewal letters, we believe it is time to demand fair policies for tenants like us. We discovered a mold infestation in our home and suffered relentless retaliation from our property management team thereafter. This resulted in us receiving a letter of non-renewal alongside 10 fraudulent lease infractions. 

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, tenants possess rights to a safe and healthy living environment. Issues such as mold, which pose substantial health risks, must be addressed efficiently. Moreover, it is stated that disputes regarding these matters should not result in retaliation from the landlord. 

We are advocating for clear provisions to be included in all lease agreements. Policy changes must be approved by a higher authority, governing the housing assistance development. We are pushing to reform the compliance requirements for all establishments receiving housing assistance. This Petition suggests mandatory annual inspection specific to mold infestation in all public housing properties . Additionally, Tenants should be allowed sufficient security devices such as Wi-Fi/ wireless cameras to ensure the safety of the community, while providing protection for Texas tenants against landlord retaliation. Tenants shall be permitted to utilize wireless security devices only to prevent any structural damages to the premises.

Additionally, circumstances in which a tenant receives a violation for exercising their right to utilize emergency services shall immediately prompt an investigation conducted by a third-party such as a licensed mediator who shall be elected by the tenant union officials formed upon the submission of a proposed petition. Any elected mediator shall hold no interest with a tenant/resident, nor shall they hold interest with management or their associates.

The implementation of this process is to provide support for the community at all affordable housing establishments, particularly those residing at Crestmoor Park South.

This petition is also requesting that landlords or landlords constituents only be permitted to issue lease violations for police activity that results in an investigation that leads to an arrest, citation or judgment against the tenant or tenants guests. Only after trial in which the tenant/defendant is found guilty of a crime may the landlord be permitted to issue a lease violation. No other circumstance shall warrant lease violations relating to police activity. 

Lastly, tenant-identified mold infestations should trigger mandatory inspections/remediations by licensed specialists upon formal requests made by the tenant or tenant union. 

Modifying these policies will not only safeguard our rights, but also protect current and future residents from similar retaliatory actions from landlords and property management. Your signature can help enact these changes and ensure safer living conditions and fair treatment for all tenants.

If you believe this petition would benefit the tenants residing at Crestmoor Park south and believe that the original petitioner, Niki Morris, has created this petition in good faith, to create positive change by promoting a healthy, safe living environment for everyone, then please sign below as evidence of your support. 

Upon the signing of this petition, you agree that you are over 18 years of age, have fully read, understand and agree to the requests outlined in this petition.  

Understandably, tenants may be hesitant to sign a petition to implement change; However, this petition will aid in creating an alternative for a system that is no longer adequately serving the best interest of the tenants/landlords associated with affordable housing programs in Texas. 

The following Property Codes & Laws are current in the State of Texas. A copy of this legislation is provided for your convenience. Please reference the following information before proceeding with your signature. 

Section 92.006 of the Texas Property CodeThis section lists specific rights that a landlord cannot ask a tenant to waive. It includes the rights to: smoke detectors, security devices, disclosure of ownership and management, repair of dangerous or unhealthy conditions, to vacate due to family violence or sexual crimes, and to have a trial for certain issues arising from the landlord/tenant relationship.
Section 92.015 of the Texas Property CodeThis section prevents landlords from prohibiting their tenants from contacting police or emergency assistance or fining them as a result of doing so. It voids any lease clauses with this rule.
Section 92.026 of the Texas Property CodeThis section of the law prevents landlords from prohibiting their tenants or their tenants' guests from lawfully possessing a firearm in the rental unit.
Section 92.0563 of the Texas Property CodeThis section states that a landlord cannot waive their responsibility to repair conditions that affect a tenant's health or safety. If they put a clause in the lease waiving this responsibility, they are liable to the tenant for actual damages, one month's rent plus $2,000, and reasonable attorney's fees.