Does an apartment complex have to notify the residents when break ins/robberies occur?

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Does an apartment complex have to notify the residents when break ins/robberies occur?

In TX. There have been 3 break ins in the last 2 weeks in our apartment complex. I know about of them through a staff member who happens to be a friend. I was told that legally, all residents are supposed to be notified when break ins happen, but residents still have not been notified. Is this a requirement and if so, what are my rights as a tenant? I have only lived here for a month and a half, can I break my lease and go somewhere else?

Asked on July 24, 2010 under Real Estate Law, Texas

Answers:

MD, Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 13 years ago | Contributor

Unfortunately, most landlords in most states do not affirmatively undertake in writing in a lease or by the hiring of patrol officers that your apartment complex or apartment unit will be crime free.  If landlords did that and a crime occurred, you could potentially sue the landlord even if the landlord had taken precautionary steps.  So you really do not have any recourse against the landlord.  Make sure you notify the landlord and local police if a crime occurs but otherwise a landlord is not required to inform you of any crimes occurring, especially if it would interfere with police investigations. That being said, a crime occurring is not sufficient to get you out of the lease agreement you have with the landlord.  You can choose to approach your landlord about your concerns and ask if the landlord is willing to allow you to surrender the lease without any implications. 


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