Deloris Phillips v. Neurock of Meadow Green Apartments, Real Page Incorporation, RPM Living Property Management, Kimberly Sims, and Omar Azam
Headline: Appellate Court Affirms Summary Judgment for Apartment Complex in Tenant Dispute
Citation:
Case Summary
Deloris Phillips v. Neurock of Meadow Green Apartments, Real Page Incorporation, RPM Living Property Management, Kimberly Sims, and Omar Azam, decided by Texas Court of Appeals on March 19, 2026, resulted in a defendant win outcome. Deloris Phillips sued her apartment complex and its management for alleged violations of the Texas Property Code, including failure to repair, breach of contract, and wrongful eviction. The trial court granted summary judgment in favor of the defendants. Phillips appealed, arguing that the trial court erred in granting summary judgment and in excluding certain evidence. The appellate court affirmed the trial court's decision, finding that Phillips failed to present sufficient evidence to raise a genuine issue of material fact on her claims and that the excluded evidence was properly excluded. The court held: The court held that the apartment complex and its management were entitled to summary judgment because the plaintiff failed to present sufficient evidence to raise a genuine issue of material fact regarding her claims of failure to repair, breach of contract, and wrongful eviction.. The court held that the plaintiff's claim for failure to repair under the Texas Property Code failed because she did not provide evidence that she provided proper written notice of the alleged defects as required by the lease agreement and statute.. The court held that the plaintiff's breach of contract claim failed because she did not present evidence of specific damages resulting from the alleged breaches.. The court held that the plaintiff's wrongful eviction claim failed because the evidence showed the eviction was based on non-payment of rent, a legitimate reason.. The court held that the trial court did not err in excluding certain evidence offered by the plaintiff because it was irrelevant or hearsay.. This case reinforces the importance of tenants adhering to notice requirements outlined in their leases and Texas law when seeking repairs. It also highlights that tenants must provide specific evidence of damages to succeed in breach of contract claims and that landlords have a clear right to evict for non-payment of rent if proper procedures are followed, making it difficult for tenants to succeed on wrongful eviction claims in such circumstances.
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. May contain errors. Consult a licensed attorney for legal advice.
Key Holdings
The court established the following key holdings in this case:
- The court held that the apartment complex and its management were entitled to summary judgment because the plaintiff failed to present sufficient evidence to raise a genuine issue of material fact regarding her claims of failure to repair, breach of contract, and wrongful eviction.
- The court held that the plaintiff's claim for failure to repair under the Texas Property Code failed because she did not provide evidence that she provided proper written notice of the alleged defects as required by the lease agreement and statute.
- The court held that the plaintiff's breach of contract claim failed because she did not present evidence of specific damages resulting from the alleged breaches.
- The court held that the plaintiff's wrongful eviction claim failed because the evidence showed the eviction was based on non-payment of rent, a legitimate reason.
- The court held that the trial court did not err in excluding certain evidence offered by the plaintiff because it was irrelevant or hearsay.
Deep Legal Analysis
Constitutional Issues
Whether the trial court erred in compelling arbitration based on the lease agreement.Whether the arbitration clause in the lease agreement is unconscionable or otherwise unenforceable.
Rule Statements
A party seeking to compel arbitration bears the burden of proving that a valid agreement to arbitrate exists and that the claims asserted fall within the scope of that agreement.
A trial court's decision to compel arbitration is reviewed de novo.
Remedies
Reversal of the trial court's order compelling arbitration and remanding the case for further proceedings.Potential for the case to proceed in the trial court on the merits of Phillips's claims if arbitration is found not to be required.
Entities and Participants
Frequently Asked Questions (43)
Comprehensive Q&A covering every aspect of this court opinion.
Basic Questions (11)
Q: What is Deloris Phillips v. Neurock of Meadow Green Apartments, Real Page Incorporation, RPM Living Property Management, Kimberly Sims, and Omar Azam about?
Deloris Phillips v. Neurock of Meadow Green Apartments, Real Page Incorporation, RPM Living Property Management, Kimberly Sims, and Omar Azam is a case decided by Texas Court of Appeals on March 19, 2026. It involves Miscellaneous/other civil.
Q: What court decided Deloris Phillips v. Neurock of Meadow Green Apartments, Real Page Incorporation, RPM Living Property Management, Kimberly Sims, and Omar Azam?
Deloris Phillips v. Neurock of Meadow Green Apartments, Real Page Incorporation, RPM Living Property Management, Kimberly Sims, and Omar Azam was decided by the Texas Court of Appeals, which is part of the TX state court system. This is a state appellate court.
Q: When was Deloris Phillips v. Neurock of Meadow Green Apartments, Real Page Incorporation, RPM Living Property Management, Kimberly Sims, and Omar Azam decided?
Deloris Phillips v. Neurock of Meadow Green Apartments, Real Page Incorporation, RPM Living Property Management, Kimberly Sims, and Omar Azam was decided on March 19, 2026.
Q: What is the citation for Deloris Phillips v. Neurock of Meadow Green Apartments, Real Page Incorporation, RPM Living Property Management, Kimberly Sims, and Omar Azam?
The citation for Deloris Phillips v. Neurock of Meadow Green Apartments, Real Page Incorporation, RPM Living Property Management, Kimberly Sims, and Omar Azam is . Use this citation to reference the case in legal documents and research.
Q: What type of case is Deloris Phillips v. Neurock of Meadow Green Apartments, Real Page Incorporation, RPM Living Property Management, Kimberly Sims, and Omar Azam?
Deloris Phillips v. Neurock of Meadow Green Apartments, Real Page Incorporation, RPM Living Property Management, Kimberly Sims, and Omar Azam is classified as a "Miscellaneous/other civil" case. This describes the nature of the legal dispute at issue.
Q: What is the full case name and citation for this appellate decision?
The case is Deloris Phillips v. Neurock of Meadow Green Apartments, Real Page Incorporation, RPM Living Property Management, Kimberly Sims, and Omar Azam, decided by the Texas Court of Appeals (texapp). The specific citation is not provided in the summary, but it is an appellate decision reviewing a trial court's ruling.
Q: Who were the main parties involved in the lawsuit?
The main parties were Deloris Phillips, the tenant who filed the lawsuit, and the defendants: Neurock of Meadow Green Apartments, Real Page Incorporation, RPM Living Property Management, Kimberly Sims, and Omar Azam, who were the apartment complex and its management entities and individuals.
Q: What was the core dispute in Deloris Phillips' lawsuit?
Deloris Phillips sued her apartment complex and its management for alleged violations of the Texas Property Code, including claims of failure to repair the premises, breach of contract, and wrongful eviction.
Q: What was the outcome of the case at the trial court level?
The trial court granted summary judgment in favor of the defendants, Neurock of Meadow Green Apartments and its management. This means the trial court found no genuine issue of material fact and ruled in favor of the defendants without a full trial.
Q: What was the primary issue on appeal in this case?
Deloris Phillips appealed the trial court's decision, arguing that the judge made errors by granting summary judgment in favor of the defendants and by excluding certain evidence she attempted to present.
Q: What was the appellate court's final decision on Phillips' appeal?
The Texas Court of Appeals affirmed the trial court's decision. This means the appellate court agreed with the trial court's ruling and found no reversible error in the summary judgment or the exclusion of evidence.
Legal Analysis (15)
Q: Is Deloris Phillips v. Neurock of Meadow Green Apartments, Real Page Incorporation, RPM Living Property Management, Kimberly Sims, and Omar Azam published?
Deloris Phillips v. Neurock of Meadow Green Apartments, Real Page Incorporation, RPM Living Property Management, Kimberly Sims, and Omar Azam is a published, precedential opinion. Published opinions carry precedential weight and can be cited as authority in future cases.
Q: What topics does Deloris Phillips v. Neurock of Meadow Green Apartments, Real Page Incorporation, RPM Living Property Management, Kimberly Sims, and Omar Azam cover?
Deloris Phillips v. Neurock of Meadow Green Apartments, Real Page Incorporation, RPM Living Property Management, Kimberly Sims, and Omar Azam covers the following legal topics: Breach of Contract in Landlord-Tenant Agreements, Landlord's Duty to Repair and Maintain Premises (Texas Property Code), Negligence Claims in Landlord-Tenant Disputes, Habitability Standards in Rental Properties, Proof of Damages for Mental Anguish in Contract Cases, Summary Judgment Standards in Texas Civil Procedure.
Q: What was the ruling in Deloris Phillips v. Neurock of Meadow Green Apartments, Real Page Incorporation, RPM Living Property Management, Kimberly Sims, and Omar Azam?
The court ruled in favor of the defendant in Deloris Phillips v. Neurock of Meadow Green Apartments, Real Page Incorporation, RPM Living Property Management, Kimberly Sims, and Omar Azam. Key holdings: The court held that the apartment complex and its management were entitled to summary judgment because the plaintiff failed to present sufficient evidence to raise a genuine issue of material fact regarding her claims of failure to repair, breach of contract, and wrongful eviction.; The court held that the plaintiff's claim for failure to repair under the Texas Property Code failed because she did not provide evidence that she provided proper written notice of the alleged defects as required by the lease agreement and statute.; The court held that the plaintiff's breach of contract claim failed because she did not present evidence of specific damages resulting from the alleged breaches.; The court held that the plaintiff's wrongful eviction claim failed because the evidence showed the eviction was based on non-payment of rent, a legitimate reason.; The court held that the trial court did not err in excluding certain evidence offered by the plaintiff because it was irrelevant or hearsay..
Q: Why is Deloris Phillips v. Neurock of Meadow Green Apartments, Real Page Incorporation, RPM Living Property Management, Kimberly Sims, and Omar Azam important?
Deloris Phillips v. Neurock of Meadow Green Apartments, Real Page Incorporation, RPM Living Property Management, Kimberly Sims, and Omar Azam has an impact score of 15/100, indicating narrow legal impact. This case reinforces the importance of tenants adhering to notice requirements outlined in their leases and Texas law when seeking repairs. It also highlights that tenants must provide specific evidence of damages to succeed in breach of contract claims and that landlords have a clear right to evict for non-payment of rent if proper procedures are followed, making it difficult for tenants to succeed on wrongful eviction claims in such circumstances.
Q: What precedent does Deloris Phillips v. Neurock of Meadow Green Apartments, Real Page Incorporation, RPM Living Property Management, Kimberly Sims, and Omar Azam set?
Deloris Phillips v. Neurock of Meadow Green Apartments, Real Page Incorporation, RPM Living Property Management, Kimberly Sims, and Omar Azam established the following key holdings: (1) The court held that the apartment complex and its management were entitled to summary judgment because the plaintiff failed to present sufficient evidence to raise a genuine issue of material fact regarding her claims of failure to repair, breach of contract, and wrongful eviction. (2) The court held that the plaintiff's claim for failure to repair under the Texas Property Code failed because she did not provide evidence that she provided proper written notice of the alleged defects as required by the lease agreement and statute. (3) The court held that the plaintiff's breach of contract claim failed because she did not present evidence of specific damages resulting from the alleged breaches. (4) The court held that the plaintiff's wrongful eviction claim failed because the evidence showed the eviction was based on non-payment of rent, a legitimate reason. (5) The court held that the trial court did not err in excluding certain evidence offered by the plaintiff because it was irrelevant or hearsay.
Q: What are the key holdings in Deloris Phillips v. Neurock of Meadow Green Apartments, Real Page Incorporation, RPM Living Property Management, Kimberly Sims, and Omar Azam?
1. The court held that the apartment complex and its management were entitled to summary judgment because the plaintiff failed to present sufficient evidence to raise a genuine issue of material fact regarding her claims of failure to repair, breach of contract, and wrongful eviction. 2. The court held that the plaintiff's claim for failure to repair under the Texas Property Code failed because she did not provide evidence that she provided proper written notice of the alleged defects as required by the lease agreement and statute. 3. The court held that the plaintiff's breach of contract claim failed because she did not present evidence of specific damages resulting from the alleged breaches. 4. The court held that the plaintiff's wrongful eviction claim failed because the evidence showed the eviction was based on non-payment of rent, a legitimate reason. 5. The court held that the trial court did not err in excluding certain evidence offered by the plaintiff because it was irrelevant or hearsay.
Q: What cases are related to Deloris Phillips v. Neurock of Meadow Green Apartments, Real Page Incorporation, RPM Living Property Management, Kimberly Sims, and Omar Azam?
Precedent cases cited or related to Deloris Phillips v. Neurock of Meadow Green Apartments, Real Page Incorporation, RPM Living Property Management, Kimberly Sims, and Omar Azam: Tex. R. Civ. P. 166a; Tex. Prop. Code Ann. § 92.056.
Q: What legal standard did the appellate court apply when reviewing the summary judgment?
The appellate court reviewed the summary judgment to determine if Phillips presented sufficient evidence to raise a genuine issue of material fact on her claims. The standard requires that a plaintiff must show more than just allegations and must provide concrete evidence to proceed to trial.
Q: What specific Texas Property Code violations did Phillips allege?
Phillips alleged violations of the Texas Property Code, specifically citing claims related to the defendants' failure to make necessary repairs to her apartment, breach of her lease agreement, and wrongful eviction.
Q: Why did the appellate court find that Phillips failed to raise a genuine issue of material fact?
The appellate court found that Phillips did not present enough evidence to create a dispute that needed to be decided by a jury. Her claims required specific proof of damages or violations, which the court determined was lacking in the presented evidence.
Q: What was the basis for the appellate court's decision to affirm the exclusion of evidence?
The appellate court determined that the evidence Phillips sought to introduce was properly excluded by the trial court. While the specific reasons for exclusion are not detailed, it implies the evidence did not meet legal standards for admissibility, such as relevance or proper foundation.
Q: What does 'summary judgment' mean in the context of this case?
Summary judgment is a procedural device where a party asks the court to rule in their favor without a full trial, arguing that there are no disputed facts that require a jury's decision. In this case, the defendants successfully convinced the trial court that Phillips' claims lacked sufficient evidence to proceed.
Q: What is the significance of the Texas Property Code in this lawsuit?
The Texas Property Code provides specific rights and responsibilities for landlords and tenants in Texas. Phillips' lawsuit was based on alleged violations of these statutory duties, particularly concerning habitability and eviction procedures.
Q: What is the burden of proof for a tenant like Phillips in a failure-to-repair claim?
In a failure-to-repair claim under the Texas Property Code, a tenant typically must prove that the landlord had notice of the condition, failed to repair it within a reasonable time, and that the condition affected the physical health and safety of an ordinary tenant.
Q: How does this case relate to landlord-tenant law in Texas?
This case illustrates the legal requirements tenants must meet to succeed in claims against landlords for alleged code violations. It highlights the importance of providing sufficient evidence to overcome a motion for summary judgment, especially regarding repair obligations and wrongful eviction.
Practical Implications (5)
Q: How does Deloris Phillips v. Neurock of Meadow Green Apartments, Real Page Incorporation, RPM Living Property Management, Kimberly Sims, and Omar Azam affect me?
This case reinforces the importance of tenants adhering to notice requirements outlined in their leases and Texas law when seeking repairs. It also highlights that tenants must provide specific evidence of damages to succeed in breach of contract claims and that landlords have a clear right to evict for non-payment of rent if proper procedures are followed, making it difficult for tenants to succeed on wrongful eviction claims in such circumstances. As a decision from a state appellate court, its reach is limited to the state jurisdiction. This case is moderate in legal complexity to understand.
Q: What are the practical implications for tenants in Texas following this decision?
Tenants in Texas need to be aware that simply alleging violations of the Property Code is not enough to win a lawsuit. They must gather and present concrete evidence to support their claims of failure to repair, breach of contract, or wrongful eviction to avoid summary judgment.
Q: What does this ruling mean for apartment complex management companies like RPM Living?
For management companies, this decision reinforces the importance of proper documentation and adherence to lease terms and property codes. It shows that a well-supported motion for summary judgment, demonstrating a lack of factual dispute, can effectively resolve tenant lawsuits.
Q: How might this case affect how landlords handle repair requests in Texas?
Landlords and property managers may be encouraged to maintain thorough records of repair requests and responses. This case underscores the need for prompt and documented action to mitigate potential legal liability and defend against claims of negligence or breach.
Q: What are the potential consequences for a tenant who loses a summary judgment motion?
If a tenant loses a summary judgment motion, their case is dismissed without a trial. They may also be responsible for the defendants' legal costs, and their ability to pursue further legal action on the same claims could be barred by res judicata.
Historical Context (2)
Q: Does this case set a new legal precedent in Texas landlord-tenant law?
While this case affirms existing principles regarding summary judgment and the burden of proof in landlord-tenant disputes, it does not appear to establish new legal precedent. It serves as an application of established law to the specific facts presented.
Q: How does this case compare to other landmark Texas Supreme Court cases on landlord-tenant disputes?
This case is an appellate decision applying established Texas law, unlike landmark Supreme Court cases that often define or significantly alter legal doctrines. It focuses on the evidentiary requirements for a tenant to survive summary judgment, a common procedural hurdle.
Procedural Questions (7)
Q: What was the docket number in Deloris Phillips v. Neurock of Meadow Green Apartments, Real Page Incorporation, RPM Living Property Management, Kimberly Sims, and Omar Azam?
The docket number for Deloris Phillips v. Neurock of Meadow Green Apartments, Real Page Incorporation, RPM Living Property Management, Kimberly Sims, and Omar Azam is 02-25-00503-CV. This identifier is used to track the case through the court system.
Q: Can Deloris Phillips v. Neurock of Meadow Green Apartments, Real Page Incorporation, RPM Living Property Management, Kimberly Sims, and Omar Azam be appealed?
Yes — decisions from state appellate courts can typically be appealed to the state supreme court, though review is often discretionary.
Q: What was the procedural history leading to this appellate court's review?
The case began in a trial court where Deloris Phillips sued her landlord and management. The defendants successfully moved for summary judgment, leading to a final judgment. Phillips then appealed this judgment to the Texas Court of Appeals.
Q: What is the role of 'Real Page Incorporation' and 'RPM Living Property Management' in this case?
Real Page Incorporation and RPM Living Property Management appear to be entities involved in the management and operation of the Neurock of Meadow Green Apartments. They were sued alongside the property itself and its individual employees for their alleged roles in the landlord-tenant dispute.
Q: What does it mean for a case to be 'affirmed' by an appellate court?
When an appellate court affirms a lower court's decision, it means the appellate court agrees with the lower court's ruling and upholds it. In this instance, the Texas Court of Appeals agreed with the trial court's decision to grant summary judgment for the defendants.
Q: What is the difference between a trial court and an appellate court in this context?
The trial court is where the case was initially heard, evidence presented, and the summary judgment was granted. The appellate court reviews the trial court's decision for legal errors, based on the record and arguments presented, without conducting a new trial.
Q: What are the potential next steps for Deloris Phillips after losing her appeal?
After an appellate court affirms a decision, the losing party may have limited options, such as filing a motion for rehearing with the same appellate court or seeking review from a higher court, like the Texas Supreme Court, though such review is discretionary and rarely granted.
Cited Precedents
This opinion references the following precedent cases:
- Tex. R. Civ. P. 166a
- Tex. Prop. Code Ann. § 92.056
Case Details
| Case Name | Deloris Phillips v. Neurock of Meadow Green Apartments, Real Page Incorporation, RPM Living Property Management, Kimberly Sims, and Omar Azam |
| Citation | |
| Court | Texas Court of Appeals |
| Date Filed | 2026-03-19 |
| Docket Number | 02-25-00503-CV |
| Precedential Status | Published |
| Nature of Suit | Miscellaneous/other civil |
| Outcome | Defendant Win |
| Disposition | affirmed |
| Impact Score | 15 / 100 |
| Significance | This case reinforces the importance of tenants adhering to notice requirements outlined in their leases and Texas law when seeking repairs. It also highlights that tenants must provide specific evidence of damages to succeed in breach of contract claims and that landlords have a clear right to evict for non-payment of rent if proper procedures are followed, making it difficult for tenants to succeed on wrongful eviction claims in such circumstances. |
| Complexity | moderate |
| Legal Topics | Texas Property Code Chapter 92 (Residential Tenancies), Landlord's duty to repair, Breach of contract damages, Wrongful eviction, Summary judgment standard, Admissibility of evidence (relevance, hearsay) |
| Jurisdiction | tx |
Related Legal Resources
About This Analysis
This comprehensive multi-pass AI-generated analysis of Deloris Phillips v. Neurock of Meadow Green Apartments, Real Page Incorporation, RPM Living Property Management, Kimberly Sims, and Omar Azam was produced by CaseLawBrief to help legal professionals, researchers, students, and the general public understand this court opinion in plain English. This case received our HEAVY-tier enrichment with 5 AI analysis passes covering core analysis, deep legal structure, comprehensive FAQ, multi-audience summaries, and cross-case practical intelligence.
CaseLawBrief aggregates court opinions from CourtListener, a project of the Free Law Project, and enriches them with AI-powered analysis. Our goal is to make the law more accessible and understandable to everyone, regardless of their legal background.
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. May contain errors. Consult a licensed attorney for legal advice.
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