Legally Speaking Answers & Questions

October 23

Q: I was just let go by a company that I had worked for, for 5 years. I was supposed to be eligible for this year's vacation pay on June 30, although my records show that I started with this company in May. I was let go 4 days before that. Do they have a right to withhold vacation pay? –  Patrick from Bleibelerville

A: Texas is an employment at will state so the company can hire you (and) fire you for almost any non-discriminatory reason, and you can quit anytime you want. In this situation, it depends on if he has an employment contract or not. If he does then that of course will govern. If he doesn't, then it would depend on the policies of the company of when that vacation pay accrues. We don't have enough information to answer specifically but he should go see an employment lawyer and evaluate the facts.

Q: I am renting a small frame wooden house. I don't have a lease. I pay my rent late sometimes with some late charges. I asked my landlord about fixing stuff around my house and he doesn't do so. I told him that my carpet has fleas in it and has asked for him to replace it. We are tired of being bitten by fleas every summer. This has been going on for about 4 years now. What must I do to get him to replace my carpet and to do other repairs? – Carolyn from Brookshire

A: The key to this is that she doesn't have a lease. There are some provisions in the property code that govern landlord-tenant relations when you don't have a lease. They provide some minimums that landlords have to meet if there is an issue that affects the health or safety of a tenant. The landlord has an obligation to fix it quickly.

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