Report a serious rental health or safety issue in Austin

Short answer

A serious condition gets traction when the record is clean: dated photos, written notice to the landlord, and a code complaint if nothing moves. We assemble that packet in the right order so each next step stands on the last.

Who this is for

Austin renters dealing with a condition that affects health or safety, like no air conditioning in heat, mold, sewage, leaks, or exposed wiring.

The steps, in order

1. Describe the condition, when it began, and the health or safety effect.
2. Save dated photos, temperature readings, work orders, and every message.
3. ATX prepares written notice to the landlord that starts the repair clock.
4. If nothing moves, prepare an Austin Code complaint with the record attached and send it through the official route.
5. Keep rent, court, and repair decisions separate and get legal advice before withholding rent.

Have this ready

• Your lease or landlord contact
• Dated photos of the condition
• Copies of messages and work orders so far
• The date you first reported it

Common mistakes to avoid

• Withholding rent without legal advice; it can put you in eviction court even when the condition is real.
• Reporting by phone only; without written notice there is no repair clock to point to.

Common questions

Can I stop paying rent until my Austin landlord fixes it?

Texas law is strict about withholding rent and the wrong move risks eviction. Get individualized legal advice first; the written-notice and code-complaint record protects you either way.

What counts as a serious habitability issue in Austin?

Conditions that affect health or safety: no air conditioning in extreme heat, mold, sewage backups, no water, gas leaks, exposed wiring, or broken locks and doors.

Official sources

• Austin Code Compliance resources
• Report a code violation

Last reviewed August 26, 2026 against the official source.

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• Report a code violation in Austin
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