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Texas Consumer Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Small Claims and Insurance Bad Faith for Texas on
Q: Problems due to canceled car loan from a dealership now closed.

I did not take delivery of a car from Koncept Motors due to significant engine and other issues. I requested the cancellation of the loan within one day, and I received paperwork confirming the loan was canceled. The dealership has since closed due to lawsuits and fraudulent activities. Two years... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on May 12, 2025

Gather up all of your evidence including all of your communications with the dealership and with the bank as well as every communication denying you credit, and take it to an experienced attorney who practices in the area consumer law in or near the county where the dealership is located.

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Consumer Law and Real Estate Law for Texas on
Q: Apartment complex demands 5-star review for rate renewal in Texas. Is this blackmail?

I am currently negotiating a renewal rate with my apartment complex. They agreed to a new rate in writing but stated they would only implement it if I write a 5-star review on Google. We haven't signed the renewal yet, as we haven't written the review. The request was communicated via... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on May 12, 2025

No it is not considered "blackmail." Blackmail involves the use of threats to disclose incriminating or embarassing information about someone to obtain money or property from another.

0 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Insurance Defense and Lemon Law for Texas on
Q: Car warranty repair issues and loaner windshield claim demand

I took my car to a dealership in December 2024 for a warranty repair. After fixing the original issue, my car has had ongoing unrelated problems, and it's still not fixed. I didn't receive a loaner vehicle for the first two months, but afterward, I was given various new loaner cars to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Contracts for Texas on
Q: Mechanic replaced engine without permission, charged $3,800 for unauthorized work. What recourse do I have?

I took my vehicle to a mechanic who quoted me for head gasket replacement. Later, I found out they replaced my engine without my permission and charged me $3,800. There was no signed agreement, only a verbal agreement for the original repairs. I only received a receipt for the engine replacement... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on May 7, 2025

Legally, you are not required to pay for an unauthorized repair. Legally, you are required to pay for repairs you authorized. This presents a classic he-said, she-said situation. You will have to persuade a judge or jury that you are telling the truth versus the mechanic persuading a judge or... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Consumer Law and Civil Litigation for Texas on
Q: Seeking TX real estate fraud attorney for undisclosed flood damage case.

In April 2024, we purchased a home in Houston via licensed real estate agents, one of whom also acted as the listing agent. During renovations, we discovered drywall dated 2017 installed at the two-foot level, along with hidden black mold and other clear signs of undisclosed flood-related repairs.... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on May 7, 2025

You likely do not have any claim against the real estate agents. Any claim you have is against the sellers. It is likely there is no insurance covering these claims you are making against the sellers. Unless you can demonstrate that the sellers have non-exempt assets (like cash, publicly traded... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Civil Litigation, Libel & Slander and Personal Injury for Texas on
Q: Scammers listed my property online, affecting my rental plans. Can I sue Redfin?

I have discovered that scammers have listed my property, along with others, on their website, locayt.com. These listings are being syndicated to Redfin, where the scammers are charging fees. Despite reporting this issue, Redfin has not removed the fraudulent listings within the promised timeframe,... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Business Law, Contracts, Civil Litigation and Consumer Law for Texas on
Q: Did not receive payment for house sale; house still in my name; company using my name for trust without consent.

In 2023, I sold my house, but I did not receive the agreed price. The house is still in my name. The contracting company is using my name to establish a trust without my consent. While the notary indicated I should receive a check for approximately $75k, I only received $1,000. How can this be... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts and Civil Litigation for Texas on
Q: How can I sue my water company for billing issues?

I attended a board meeting with my water company to set up a payment plan for a high water bill. However, I never received any written confirmation of the payment plan, nor have I made any payments under it. Despite this, the company claims a payment plan was established. Additionally, there is a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law, Consumer Law and Collections for Texas on
Q: What legal options do I have if my tuition refund appeal is denied?

I am an international student (F-1 visa holder) who transferred my SEVIS record to another university a few days after arriving in the U.S., specifically on September 4, 2024. I did this before attending any classes at my initial university, which is now billing me for full tuition because I did... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 29, 2025

If your tuition refund appeal is denied, you have several legal avenues to pursue. You may file a complaint with your state's higher education regulatory body or attorney general's office, as many states have specific consumer protection laws applicable to educational institutions. You... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law and Real Estate Law for Texas on
Q: Need logbook for unregistered semi-truck used for personal transport?

I recently purchased a semi-truck from a private individual and am transporting it home. The truck is not registered, and I'm using it for personal driving without any commercial tags. I only have a bill of sale and plan to register and inspect it once I reach my home state. Do I need a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Health Care Law and Consumer Law for Texas on
Q: How can I ensure my surgeon submits the insurance claim after full payment?

I paid the full surgeon's bill before surgery with the understanding that they would still submit the claim to my insurance company. It's been five weeks, and follow-up visits were submitted and processed within 1-2 weeks, but the surgical claim hasn't been submitted. I've only... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on May 9, 2025

A Texas attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. It could be difficult for you to submit the bill, since the doctor's office would have probably set up the coding for it. A starting point could be to re-request that the billing department submit the bill. Check... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts and Civil Litigation for Texas on
Q: How can I proceed legally for a refund delay from a TikTok purchase in Texas?

I purchased a robot vacuum from TikTok, and it didn't work. The seller, upon my request for a refund, instructed me to return the product and promised I would receive the refund within 10 days. However, it's been over two months, and they now claim to be waiting for an answer from the... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Apr 28, 2025

You can file a small claims lawsuit against the actual seller. You will need to determine the actual legal name of the seller, if the seller is registered to do business in Texas, and who the registered agent for service of process is. If the seller is not registered to do business in Texas (and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Consumer Law for Texas on
Q: How to sue for damages in federal court for 18-year fraud without a lawyer?

I'm seeking advice on how to sue for damages in federal court for a fraud case spanning over 18 years. My previous attempt was dismissed because I couldn't serve the defendants due to lacking their information. I'm considering proceeding without a lawyer and would appreciate guidance... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Apr 28, 2025

The answer to your question turns on what information is necessary under your particular facts and circumstances. In Texas, the statute of limitations for fraud is four years, so it appears you may have a limitations issue already. It also appears that you may not have satisfactory information... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law and Consumer Law for Texas on
Q: Policy for fee waivers for stolen vehicles in Texas

My vehicle was stolen in Texas and I reported it to the El Paso Police Department, where a police report was filed. As the victim of this crime, I'm seeking a waiver for towing fees and any other associated fees. Am I eligible for these waivers, and what is the process to apply for them?

2 Answers | Asked in Child Support, Consumer Law and Family Law for Texas on
Q: Is it legal for unpaid child support to be on my credit report?

Is it legal for unpaid child support to appear on my credit report? I am concerned about how this might affect my credit, and I need guidance on this situation.

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Apr 28, 2025

It is both legal and required. Unpaid child support can (and should) affect your credit. Child support is a "preferred" debt that takes priority over many other types of debt in the event of a priority dispute or bankruptcy. A child support lien is usually going to be satisfied first,... View More

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0 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Gov & Administrative Law, Consumer Law and Real Estate Law for Texas on
Q: Seeking legal options for excessive fees and negligence by landlord in Texas affecting rent relief and utilities.

In Arlington, TX, my former landlord misused Texas Rent Relief funds and charged excessive fees, over $200 each month, during the months we received government assistance in 2021 and 2022. Additionally, they ignored 22 work orders for our malfunctioning air conditioner, which caused our electricity... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law and Civil Litigation for Texas on
Q: How can I join a lawsuit against a Kia dealership in Odessa for neglecting trade-in payments that harmed my credit score?

I've been affected by a Kia dealership in Odessa that neglected to pay off my trade-in vehicle, which hurt my credit score. They delayed payment for two months and took three months to register the vehicle, despite their agreement. I want to know if there's a way to get involved in a... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law and Internet Law for Texas on
Q: Is it legal to send review request emails without opt-in in Texas?

I run a very small e-commerce store in the United States and would like to send a request for review email after each purchase. I currently do not include an opt-in process during purchases for follow-up emails. Am I in compliance with spam laws if I send a single request for review email after the... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, Consumer Law, Insurance Defense and Personal Injury for Texas on
Q: Is it normal for insurance to offer less than the repair estimate and require a release form?

I was involved in an accident where my car was hit by a large commercial truck owned by a company. I've submitted a claim to the company's insurance for vehicle repairs, but they're offering me a settlement less than the repair estimate provided by my dealership. Their offer is based... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Identity Theft for Texas on
Q: Received a call about missed court hearing due to a past loan lawsuit from 2023; unsure of legitimacy.

I received a phone call stating I missed a court hearing, which was a surprise since I hadn't received any notification, possibly due to it being sent to an old address. The caller gave me a case number and an attorney's contact. When I called, it was central management telling me that a... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Apr 23, 2025

It most likely is a scam. I recommend you contact either your own lawyer or the court directly.

It is very possible you missed a court date, especially if you moved and failed to notify your own lawyer or the court directly of your change of address. Once you have been served and...
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