We used Advanced REI Concepts, who later became Texas Lease Houses, to manage a rental property for us. Various little issues throughout the term of the contract prompted us to cancel the contract when it became a month-to-month agreement.
Our copy of the service agreement stated that either party could terminate the agreement with 30 days notice. We did so, via certified mail which was received. The agreement stated that upon termination of the contract the company would return any security deposits collected so that the property owner (we) could later determine if/how much to return to the tenant.
During the term of the agreement, one tenant completed their lease and moved out. TLH did not return their deposit, siting cleanliness issues with the house. However, they did not provide an itemized listing of charges against the security deposit, which TX law requires them to do. They simply refused to return the deposit.
We visited the house on the day the tenant moved out. The house was spotless with only normal wear and tear. The deposit should have been returned.
We were forced to pay the tenant's security deposit out of pocket to avoid costly litigation that we would have certainly lost. However, TLH has not returned the deposit to us. Plus, they retained the $200 non-refundable pet deposit without showing any receipt for cleaning.
A second tenant signed a contract and paid TLH a security deposit upon move-in. That tenant is still in the house and is currently paying us rent directly. But TLH still has not paid that deposit to us.
They have not responded to any of our calls, letters or e-mails. Their listed address is a mail box store front so we are not able to visit them in person.
We have filed a small claims suit against them in Tarrant County and have filed a report with the Better Business Bureau. Contact with other unhappy clients and ex-clients have made us wonder if a visit to the Tarrant County DA's office with a fraud claim is in order.
Advanced REI Concepts is no longer registered with the Texas Comptroller's office as a business. Neither is Texas Lease Houses. But, Texas Lease Houses (Alliance Brokerage) is listed with both the TX Comptroller and the BBB.interestingly enough, they have an A rating with the BBB. We are hoping they want to keep that rating and will respond to our latest complaint.
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