(a) If a tenant files or prosecutes a suit for retaliatory action based on a complaint asserted under § 94.251(a)(3), and a government building or housing inspector or utility company representative visits the manufactured home community and determines in writing that a violation of a building or housing code does not exist or that a utility problem does not exist, there is a rebuttable presumption that the tenant acted in bad faith.
(b) If a tenant files or prosecutes a suit under this subchapter in bad faith, the landlord may recover possession of the leased premises and may recover from the tenant a civil penalty of one month‘s rent plus $500, court costs, and reasonable attorney’s fees. If the tenant’s rent payment to the landlord is subsidized in whole or in part by a governmental entity, the civil penalty granted under this subsection shall reflect the fair market rent of the leased premises plus $500.

Terms Used In Texas Property Code 94.255

  • Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
  • in writing: includes any representation of words, letters, or figures, whether by writing, printing, or other means. See Texas Government Code 312.011
  • Month: means a calendar month. See Texas Government Code 312.011