Where do I file a claim against my slumlord (landlord)?

We live on a commercial and residential zoned property that has a detached garage and office and the house. When we came to look at the house (when it was for rent still) before we even signed the agreement the landlord stated that in the summer (moved in during March 2005) he was going to repair the garage and other repairs that were in great need of some attention. As of today, the landlord has done nothing but put spouting on the side of the house. The garage is so bad that if the zoning department seen the garage they would condem it. The roof is about to cave in and the floor of the loft (attic-garage) is falling through and pieces of wood are missing. The landlords wife just passed away which I feel bad for him but still he owns this place and he should care for it. We have been faithful with paying our rent and everything. Where can I file a claim against my landlord to hopefully motivate him?

Do you rent the garage as well??

Check for your local housing tribunal.

You need to have documentation of your request for repairs, so send a written notice to your landlord regarding the repairs that he intended to make and keep a copy for yourself. You can call the zoning department and have them condemn the garage, then file the complaint. Take lots of photographs of the damaged property to back up your claim.

It depends on what was on the lease. It doesn't matter what he told you he was going to do. All that matters is what was specified on the lease.

At most all you can do is file a complaint with the local housing authority.

Filing a claim denotes that you want money; however, you have no monetary damages.

depending what city & state u live in, in my city I would contact city hall and get in touch with community preservation, or the fair housing council as well, they will send them a notice, u might also want to consider finding another place to live since he can give u a notice to evict otherwise known as a 30 day if u tick him off....

Texas Department of Complanits and Residential Service
(Sect.894.9)