March 2025

“A livable home is a basic right. But what happens when your apartment is under repair?”

When something in your apartment breaks, leaks, or gets damaged, repairs are necessary. But can you actually stay in your unit while those repairs happen? The answer depends on several factors: the extent of the damage, your lease agreement, and local laws.

Some repairs are minor—like fixing a leaky faucet or repainting a wall—while others, like major plumbing failures, mold remediation, or fire damage, can make a unit temporarily unlivable.

Let’s break down when you can stay, when you can’t, and what rights you have as a renter during apartment repairs.

Types of Repairs: Can You Stay or Should You Go?

✅ Repairs You Can Stay for:

These fixes may be inconvenient but not unsafe, so staying put is usually an option:

• Leaky faucets or minor plumbing repairs

• Painting or cosmetic upgrades

• Drywall patching

• Electrical work in non-essential areas

• Door and window replacements

Tip: If you’re dealing with noise, dust, or limited access, talk to your landlord about repair schedules.

❌ Repairs That May Require You to Leave:

These repairs can make your unit temporarily unsafe or unlivable:

• Major plumbing failures (like sewage backups or no running water)

• Fire or smoke damage repairs

• Severe water damage or mold removal

• Structural damage (like foundation issues)

• Major electrical work affecting power supply

• Roof replacements that cause exposure to weather

If repairs take more than a few days and make the unit uninhabitable, you may have rights to compensation or temporary housing.

Renter’s Rights During Repairs

Under Texas law, landlords must maintain a livable rental unit. If repairs compromise your safety or basic needs (like running water, electricity, or structural stability), you may be entitled to:

✅ Temporary housing or hotel accommodations
✅ Rent reductions or refunds for the affected time
✅ Lease termination in extreme cases

What Counts as “Unlivable”?

According to the Texas Attorney General, an apartment is considered unlivable if it lacks:

• Running water

• Electricity

• Heating or air conditioning (in extreme weather)

• A secure, structurally safe environment

If your apartment is uninhabitable, check your lease and discuss relocation options with your landlord.

More on tenant rights in Texas:

• Texas Attorney General – Tenant Rights

• HUD – Tenant Rights

Who Pays for Temporary Housing?

If your unit is unlivable due to required repairs, your landlord may be responsible for covering temporary accommodations. However, it depends on:

Your Lease Agreement:

• Some leases require tenants to arrange their own housing during repairs.

• Others include relocation clauses requiring the landlord to cover hotel stays.

The Cause of the Damage:

• If the damage was your fault (e.g., you caused a fire), you may be responsible for housing costs.

• If it was due to natural disasters or landlord negligence, the landlord or insurance may cover it.

Insurance Coverage:

• Renters insurance may cover temporary housing under “Loss of Use” coverage.

• Landlord’s insurance may cover relocation in some cases.

Check your lease and renters insurance policy to understand your rights!

What to Do If Repairs Disrupt Your Living Situation

1️⃣ Ask Your Landlord About a Timeline

If repairs are long-term, ask for an estimated completion date and if you’ll need to relocate.

2️⃣ Request a Rent Reduction

If repairs make part of your unit unusable (like a non-working kitchen), you can ask for a rent discount.

3️⃣ Look Into Temporary Housing Options

If needed, ask if the landlord will cover a hotel or another unit in the complex.

4️⃣ Know Your Rights

If a landlord refuses to make essential repairs, you may have legal options:

• File a complaint with Texas Public Adjusting (txpublicadjusting.com) if insurance claims are involved.

• Learn about your legal rights from Texas Tenant Resources (HUD Tenant Rights).

Final Thoughts: Should You Stay or Go?

Whether you can stay in your apartment during repairs depends on the extent of the damage, the repair timeline, and your lease agreement.

If repairs don’t affect basic living conditions, staying is fine. But if your unit lacks water, power, or structural safety, you may be entitled to relocation assistance or rent adjustments.

When in doubt, review your lease, communicate with your landlord, and explore legal protections.

Need help with an insurance claim related to apartment repairs? Texas Public Adjusting can help!

Investing in off-market new homes can be a game-changer for real estate investors. These properties, which are not listed on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), offer unique advantages such as less competition, better pricing, and the ability to negotiate directly with sellers. However, finding these hidden opportunities requires strategy, networking, and persistence.

If you’re looking to acquire new home investments before they hit the open market, this guide will walk you through proven methods to uncover these lucrative deals.

Why Invest in Off-Market New Homes?

Before diving into how to find off-market properties, let’s explore why they are valuable investment opportunities.

1. Less Competition

Since these properties are not widely advertised, fewer buyers are competing for them, allowing investors to negotiate better deals.

2. Greater Flexibility in Negotiations

Builders, developers, and sellers of off-market homes are often willing to offer discounts, incentives, or custom terms to serious investors.

3. Access to Undervalued Properties

Developers sometimes need to offload unsold inventory quickly, offering investors the chance to buy at below-market prices.

4. Potential for Higher ROI

Buying off-market means acquiring properties at a lower price, which can lead to greater profit margins when renting or reselling.

Now that we understand the benefits, let’s explore the best ways to find off-market new home investment opportunities.

1. Build Relationships with Real Estate Professionals

A strong network of real estate professionals can help you access off-market new homes before they are publicly listed.

Real Estate Agents & Brokers

• Some real estate agents specialize in pre-market or pocket listings, where properties are available for sale but not advertised.
• Establish relationships with agents who work closely with new home developers.
• Let them know you are an investor looking for off-market opportunities.

Builders & Developers

• Many homebuilders construct properties with the intention of selling them quickly.
• Some developers have unsold homes they are willing to sell at a discount, especially in bulk.
• Attend real estate conferences and industry events to connect with developers directly.

Wholesalers

• Wholesalers work with property sellers to secure deals before they reach the market.
• Some wholesalers specialize in new developments and may have early access to builder inventory.

For additional insights, you can refer to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which provides resources on real estate transactions and investment strategies:
https://www.hud.gov/topics/buying_a_home

2. Connect with Builders & Developers Directly

Establishing direct relationships with builders and developers can give you first access to off-market properties.

Pre-Construction & Spec Homes

• Some builders offer discounts on homes that are still under construction.
• “Spec homes” (homes built without a buyer lined up) are sometimes available at reduced prices to accelerate sales.

Bulk Purchase Discounts

• Builders often offer discounts to investors willing to buy multiple units.
• This strategy is especially useful for those looking to invest in rental properties or short-term rentals.

Look for Financially Distressed Builders

• Some builders may need to offload inventory quickly due to financial challenges.
• These situations can present excellent opportunities for investors to negotiate below-market deals.

For legal and regulatory guidelines related to real estate investing, check the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA):
https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/plan-your-business/market-research-competitive-analysis

3. Use Real Estate Investment Groups & Networks

Being part of a real estate investment community can provide insider access to off-market deals.

Real Estate Meetups & Networking Events

• Attend local meetups and investor gatherings where professionals share deals and opportunities.
• Connect with others in the industry to hear about deals before they go public.

Online Forums & Social Media Groups

• Platforms like BiggerPockets, LinkedIn, and Facebook have active groups where investors share off-market opportunities.
• Join local real estate investment Facebook groups and engage with members.

Real Estate Mastermind Groups

• Some high-level networking groups provide access to exclusive investment opportunities.
• Consider joining a real estate mentorship or mastermind program to access off-market leads.

For public data on real estate markets, visit the U.S. Census Bureau’s Housing Statistics:
https://www.census.gov/construction/nrs/index.html

4. Work with Off-Market Listing Platforms

Several online platforms specialize in off-market real estate deals.

Pocket Listings

• Some brokers maintain private listings known as “pocket listings” that are not advertised on the MLS.
• These properties are often sold through word-of-mouth or private investor networks.

Off-Market Listing Websites

• Platforms such as Crexi, LoopNet, and Roofstock sometimes feature off-market new homes.
• Keep an eye on these platforms and connect with sellers directly.

5. Direct Mail & Marketing Strategies

Reaching out to builders and developers through direct marketing can uncover hidden opportunities.

Targeted Direct Mail Campaigns

• Send letters or postcards to small and mid-sized builders expressing interest in buying new homes off-market.
• Offer to purchase their unsold inventory quickly and efficiently.

Email Outreach

• Research and contact builders and developers through email.
• Introduce yourself as a serious investor and ask if they have any upcoming off-market opportunities.

6. Look for Distressed Builders or Projects

Builders who are struggling to sell homes may be willing to negotiate favorable terms with investors.

Check for Overbuilt Markets

• Some areas experience a surplus of new homes, leading builders to offer discounts.
• Research new developments and target areas with high builder inventory.

Monitor Market Conditions

• Keep an eye on local housing trends to identify opportunities in markets where builders are facing slow sales.
• Economic downturns or rising interest rates may create off-market buying opportunities.

For assistance with property insurance claims or damage assessment for investment properties, consider reaching out to TX Public Adjusting. They specialize in helping property owners get the most out of their insurance claims.

Final Thoughts: Stay Persistent and Proactive

Finding off-market new home investment opportunities requires effort, networking, and creativity. Unlike MLS-listed properties, these deals won’t simply appear in an online search—you need to actively seek them out.

By using the strategies in this guide and leveraging government resources, you can gain access to exclusive off-market properties and make profitable real estate investments.

Would you like help researching builders in a specific area or understanding local zoning laws? Drop a comment below!

Imagine living in your own property without paying a mortgage or rent—or even making a profit while doing so. That’s the power of house hacking, a real estate investment strategy that allows you to offset your housing costs by renting out parts of your home. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or an aspiring real estate investor, house hacking can be a smart way to build wealth while keeping your living expenses low.

In this guide, we’ll break down what house hacking is, how it works, and how you can use it to live for free while growing your real estate portfolio.

What Is House Hacking?

House hacking is a strategy where you purchase a property, live in part of it, and rent out the remaining space to help cover your mortgage, utilities, and other housing expenses.

Common House Hacking Approaches:

Multi-Family House Hacking – Buy a duplex, triplex, or fourplex, live in one unit, and rent out the others.
Single-Family House Hacking – Rent out extra bedrooms or convert a basement or garage into a rental unit.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) – Build or rent out a tiny home, guesthouse, or converted shed on your property.
Co-Living House Hacking – Rent out rooms to roommates to split costs.

By utilizing these strategies, you can significantly reduce—or even eliminate—your monthly housing costs while also building equity in a valuable asset.

How House Hacking Helps You Live for Free

1. Your Tenants Pay Your Mortgage

The primary goal of house hacking is to have rental income that covers all or most of your housing costs. For example:

• You purchase a duplex for $300,000 with a 3.5% down payment ($10,500).
• Your monthly mortgage payment (including property taxes and insurance) is $2,000.
• You rent out the other unit for $1,500/month.
• Now, you’re only paying $500/month to live there, instead of $2,000.

In some cases, you might even be able to profit from your rental income, making your housing completely free.

2. You Build Equity Instead of Paying Rent

Instead of spending money on rent that you’ll never get back, house hacking allows you to own a property and build wealth. Each month, part of your mortgage payment goes toward paying down the loan, increasing your equity (ownership) in the home.

After a few years, you can sell the property for a profit or refinance and reinvest in more properties.

3. Tax Benefits Can Reduce Costs

Owning a rental property comes with tax advantages, such as:
Mortgage Interest Deductions – Reduce taxable income by deducting mortgage interest.
Depreciation Write-Offs – Offset rental income by writing off property depreciation.
Home Office Deductions – If you work from home, you might qualify for tax savings.

These tax benefits can help you keep more of your rental income, making house hacking even more profitable.

How to Get Started with House Hacking

Step 1: Choose the Right Property

When looking for a property to house hack, consider:
✅ Multi-Unit Properties – Duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes provide built-in rental opportunities.
✅ Extra Space for Rentals – A basement, converted garage, or spare bedroom can work.
✅ Location – Look for areas with strong rental demand and convenient amenities.
✅ Affordability – Ensure the rental income can at least cover most of your mortgage.

Step 2: Secure Financing

Many lenders offer low down payment options for owner-occupied properties, making house hacking affordable for first-time buyers.

Financing Options:
✔️ FHA Loans – 3.5% down for owner-occupied properties (up to 4 units).
✔️ Conventional Loans – 3%-5% down for first-time buyers.
✔️ VA Loans – 0% down for military veterans.
✔️ USDA Loans – 0% down for rural areas.

Since these loans require you to live in the property, they are perfect for house hacking.

Step 3: Set Competitive Rental Rates

Once you’ve secured a property, research local rental prices to set a competitive rate that attracts tenants.

Check rental prices on:

• Zillow
• Apartments.com
• Craigslist
• Local real estate groups

Make sure to factor in utilities, maintenance, and vacancy periods when setting your rental price.

Step 4: Find and Screen Tenants

Finding reliable tenants is crucial to successful house hacking.

Ways to Find Good Tenants:
✔️ List on rental websites (Zillow, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace).
✔️ Use word-of-mouth and ask friends or coworkers.
✔️ Conduct background and credit checks.
✔️ Have tenants sign a lease agreement to set expectations.

Good tenants help ensure consistent rental income and fewer issues down the road.

Is House Hacking Right for You?

✅ Pros of House Hacking:

✔️ Live for free or at a reduced cost
✔️ Build long-term wealth through real estate
✔️ Gain landlord experience
✔️ Leverage tax benefits
✔️ Start investing with low upfront costs

❌ Potential Challenges:

⏳ Being a Landlord – Handling maintenance, repairs, and tenant concerns.
Privacy Considerations – Sharing spaces with tenants or roommates.
⚖️ Local Rental Laws – Understanding regulations and lease agreements.
Market Fluctuations – Rental demand and property values can change.

House hacking works best for those who are comfortable managing a rental property and willing to sacrifice some privacy in exchange for financial freedom.

Final Thoughts: A Smart Way to Build Wealth

House hacking is one of the best strategies for building wealth while keeping housing costs low. Whether you’re renting out rooms, a basement, or a separate unit, it allows you to live for free while investing in real estate.

Recap of How to Get Started:
✔️ Choose a multi-unit or single-family home with rental potential.
✔️ Use low-down-payment loans to minimize upfront costs.
✔️ Find reliable tenants to cover your mortgage.
✔️ Manage the property effectively to maximize profit.

With the right approach, house hacking can help you achieve financial independence and set you on the path to becoming a successful real estate investor.

Would you try house hacking? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!