unrepaired refrigerator in texas

[lab]

i live in texas and i have reported to my landlord over 5 times that my refrigerator is not working.. on the first day it stopped then the next day then 2 days later then a few more times.. it has been a little over 17 days now.. because of this i lost over 180$ in food that was in the fridge because i live pretty much paycheck to paycheck and off food stamps and didnt just have the cash to go out and buy myself a cooler or even ice to fill a cloths tote with and use.. also is costing me alot more money to buy food for these last 2 - 3 weeks because i can only buy 1 meal for 6 people at a time.. and cant get food in bulk.. i know if a parent had kids in a house and they where reported to child welfare they would have a big problem with it.. who can i report this too as far as child welfare office or department of health to have this taken care of the fastest.. or what can i do as far as holding back paying rent without being evicted.. i would of had it repaired myself if i didnt already report it and my lease say its a violation to do repairs like that.. and having problems with my last landlord over a airconditioner problem like this..

thanks
chris..

[elklaw]

You need to first read the lease to even see if the landlord or property management is responsible for providing you a refridgerator, as in many leases that is an as-is item. The air conditioner may be a different story. Ask and seek repairs, then you can possibly report to public health or pay fro repair and include a note that you are deducting it from rent. You may be evicted, but you should document the need for repairs and that you tried diligently to get the repair done, and you were left to self help. It also sounds like you may qualify for free legal assistance from Legal Aid or Legal services.

[LRX]

thanks ive tryed to call the health dept and child welfare all that they told me all i can do is wait or fix it myself and get evicted then sue.. child welfare said they cant do anything but they will take my kids away if i dont get one then i can sue them.. so i just borrowed a fridge a friend had in his garage.. and left theirs sitting where its been..