Texas Real Estate Brokerage Sales Apprentice Education (SAE) Practice Exam

If a tenant verbally harasses other tenants, what action can the landlord take?

1. Increase the rent

2. Evict the tenant

3. Ignore the issue

4. Call the police

The correct answer is: Evict the tenant

When a tenant verbally harasses other tenants, the landlord has the obligation to maintain a safe and peaceful living environment for all tenants. Eviction is a valid course of action in this scenario because it allows the landlord to address the violation of lease terms that often include provisions against harassment or disturbing the peace. A formal eviction process requires a documented approach, starting with warnings or notices about the harassment, allowing the tenant an opportunity to correct their behavior. If the behavior continues despite these efforts, pursuing eviction is justified. Landlords have a duty to ensure that all tenants can enjoy their rented space without fear or discomfort caused by another tenant's actions. In this context, increasing the rent does not address the problem, ignoring the issue allows harassment to continue, and calling the police might be necessary for immediate safety concerns, but it does not resolve the landlord's responsibility regarding tenant conduct within the property. Eviction stands out as the appropriate and lawful response to managing disruptive behavior among tenants.