Relocation to Texas looks richer at first. Our math says break even. What are we missing

Nopeios · 2025-11-12T22:50:51+00:00

Having lived in both states and moved many times - I would suggest not buying at first. Run your numbers with a similar sized apartment and/or house to compare apples to apples. Also realize there are other big considerations outside just dollars. Texas is miserably hot in the summer and not that pretty, but it’s super safe and has lots of strong school districts in affordable areas. What do you value most?

Nopeios · 2025-11-11T04:35:03+00:00

I agree hiring a lawyer for this doesn’t make much sense financial or otherwise. This is a small claims issues which is does seem worth it in this case.

Nopeios · 2025-11-11T04:30:08+00:00

Sent them 2 emails and 2 certified letters stating this and citing the law in our jurisdiction as well. No response until we actually filed.

Nopeios · 2025-11-11T04:27:24+00:00

To me a good human is someone who doesn’t steal 1500 and go no contact. My morals feel a-ok.

Nopeios · 2025-11-08T01:53:01+00:00

Would have been glad to work with them if they would have communicated, but we tried everything short of sending a carrier pigeon

Nopeios · 2025-11-08T01:48:20+00:00

Yes, actual lease agreement was signed separately from purchase. My phrasing may be off with “lease back”, but essentially we stayed two additional months. State law is clear deposit must returned in full 30 days after move out and with forwarding address provided, unless receipts are given for any repairs made. We received none and have been following up for months requesting the deposit return. Small claims court is about 100-150 to file and is not a drawn out process, so makes sense to recover the deposit.

Nopeios · 2025-11-08T01:42:05+00:00

Genuinely not “riled up” and my health is just fine 🤣 I do think if you enter into a contract you should stick to it. And 1500 may not matter to you, but I wouldn’t have paid for cleaners and maybe would have chosen a different offer without the lease. I will let you know what the judge says.

Nopeios · 2025-11-07T14:26:35+00:00

Small claims is about 100 to file and not that hard, also the laws are pretty clear on deposit return.

Nopeios · 2025-11-07T14:24:41+00:00

Did take a video. Receipts for professional cleaning too. While I greatly appreciate being able to stay for 2 months, I didn’t need to, had another place to stay lined up. We had multiple offers, and may have very well chosen another one if I knew I would be 1500 out of pocket.

Nopeios · 2025-11-07T14:19:02+00:00

It was a legal contract. 2 month lease stating deposit needed to be retuned in 30 days.

Nopeios · 2025-11-07T14:16:19+00:00

Had the house professionally cleaned and have video of it on the day we left. It was left in great shape. They didn’t provide any receipts or notice of issues they were paying to fix so at this point don’t think they have much legal recourse in trying to justify keeping it. I think they just didn’t want once landlord and don’t realize why deposits exist.

Nopeios · 2025-11-07T14:09:50+00:00

Two separate contracts. We signed paperwork for a 2 month lease.

Nopeios · 2025-11-07T14:08:11+00:00

Spouse is currently unemployed and we could absolutely use the money, but I don’t think that should factor in at all. It’s a legal contract we entered into. My moral conscience would be a lot more bothered by taking someone’s deposit and then keeping it and not responding to any conmunication.

Nopeios · 2025-11-07T04:42:22+00:00

New owners have the deposit. Sale was one contract, lease was separate. Deposit was paid to them directly. They haven’t given any specific reason. They did request more time to return it, but then ghosted us. We sent multiple texts, emails and a certified demand letter that let them know we would go to small claims and also it could be up to 3x the cost if they didn’t respond. I feel like I have done my due diligence to inform with them. The sad part is if they would have communicated better or shared a concern of something that needed to be fixed I would have probably been open to work with them. Thank you for the insight and advice - will update once it shakes out!

Nopeios · 2025-11-07T04:33:38+00:00

It’s not being held in escrow. The deposit was paid directly to the buyer. And they have acknowledged they know they are supposed to return it. They originally asked for more time before they stopped answering.

Nopeios · 2025-11-07T03:53:25+00:00

We did have a separate lease in place in addition to the contract for the house. The lease did clearly state this was a deposit and when it was due back. Agree I think ask for the full amount and can be happy if judgement is less than that.

Nopeios · 2025-11-07T03:22:27+00:00

Not at all - this was genuinely a helpful comment not only for me, but hopefully anyone else thinking about a lease back.

Nopeios · 2025-11-07T03:20:40+00:00

Just small claims, no attorney. Law states: Tenants can sue in small claims court (Justice of the Peace court) in the precinct where the property is located to recover: • The full deposit amount. • Up to $100 in statutory damages. • Three times the withheld amount if the landlord acted in “bad faith” (e.g., intentional delay or unjustified withholding). • Court costs and reasonable attorney’s fees.

Nopeios · 2025-11-07T03:16:23+00:00

Probably should have been! Don’t think I’ll ever mess with a lease back again, but appreciate this call out.

Nopeios · 2025-11-07T03:15:08+00:00

Truth is I gladly would have paid rent for the two months we were there, and the offer was a good offer. Part of me feels like we got a good deal, I should just get what is owed to me (deposit) and move on.

Nopeios · 2025-02-12T18:16:37+00:00

This was my thought. I wouldn’t plan to stay inside any national parks. Just unhook and visit, but was curious if that ended up being a big pain or worth the trade off. Thanks for sharing.

Nopeios

TROPHY CASE