My question involves landlord-tenant law in the State of: Texas
Facts: Tenant died on May 26, 2010 (Interstate, no known heirs); Landlord was notified on May 26, 2010 of the death of tenant; Rent was due on June 1, 2010; Landlord was told by the detective handling the death of tenant to hand over all personal property to me; numerous attempts made by me to remove personal property from May 27, 2010 – July 24, 2010 to no avail. Eviction filed (date unknown); eviction court was on July 9, 2010: Judgment in favor of landlord for one month rent. Tenant’s personal property placed on front yard on July 23, 2010; the moment constable left, friends of landlord removed several items in pickups and landlord place the rest of items back in the house. Another attempt on July 23, 2010 was made to gather tenant’s personal items to no avail. Situation was explained to City police and Constable on July 23, 2010, which fell on deaf ears. Landlord removed items in the house on July 24, 2010 with U-haul, and stated to the neighbor that the items will be sold in a yard sell; Landlord would give the neighbor deals at a later time.
Tenant: Counsel Chairman for American Indian Religious Rights Foundation (AIRR) (Non-Profit Organization)
Who I am: I am the Directors of AIRR; I am also POD on tenant’s bank account
All personal property of tenant’s was bought using AIRR funds; Rent was paid also using AIRR funds; I have two current rent receipts stating: “tenant’s name AIRR”. Have requested copy of lease to Landlord, but she refuses to give me one. I have all receipts/transactions for property. I have been able to gets tenant’s papers (July 23, 2010), but cannot find a lease (written lease for one (1) year) in them.
Landlord gave a bogus fax number to their attorney; and was just given a first name, no surname.
Questioned JP about personal property of tenant and was told it wasn’t his concern (July 9, 2010).
My beliefs: Landlord with held tenant’s death; did not go through the legal steps for eviction suit. Landlord has stolen personal property of deceased tenant.
My Question: Do I have any legal recourse against the landlord? If so: what is it that I need to do?
I personally don’t have funds for an attorney; AIRR doesn’t have the funds either; I cannot access the tenant’s account until I have the death certificate, which I am having trouble with another JP allowing me to cremate the body, since I am not next of Kin. That is a totally different problem in its self.
I understand that this situation is a bit different; therefore I do pray that someone can at least shed some light on what legal action I have to solve this problem. ~Thank you~

