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Rental Inspections in Dallas, TX (2026)

5 verified rental inspections rules for Dallas, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Inspection Programs

Dallas requires all rental properties to register and undergo inspections under Chapter 27. Multi-tenant properties (apartments) are inspected at least every three years with a graded scoring system. Single-family rentals must register annually and are inspected at least every five years.

Dallas Rental Inspection Programs

Heavy Restrictions

Habitability Standards

Chapter 27 of the Dallas Code establishes minimum property standards requiring rental units to be safe, sanitary, and fit for human habitation. Requirements include working smoke alarms, safe electrical and plumbing systems, heat capable of maintaining 68 degrees F, secure doors and windows, and sound structure.

Dallas Rental Habitability Standards

Heavy Restrictions

Tex. Property Code Sec. 92.052 (Landlord's Duty to Repair or Remedy)

Sec. 92.052. LANDLORD'S DUTY TO REPAIR OR REMEDY. (a) A landlord shall make a diligent effort to repair or remedy a condition if:(1) the tenant specifies the condition in a notice to the person to whom or to the place where rent is normally paid;(2) the tenant is not delinquent in the payment of rent at the time notice is given; and(3) the condition:(A) materially affects the physical he...

Tenant Complaint Process

Dallas tenants can file complaints about code violations through Dallas 311 (phone, online, or app). Complaints trigger inspections by Code Compliance. Texas Property Code Chapter 92 provides tenant remedies including repair-and-deduct rights after proper written notice to the landlord.

Dallas Tenant Complaint Process

Some Restrictions

Systematic Code Enforcement (SCEP)

Dallas Code Compliance Services operates a Multi-Tenant Rental Property Inspection Program under City Code Chapter 27, registering all multifamily properties of three or more units and inspecting on a risk-based cycle to verify minimum housing standards.

Dallas Multifamily Inspection Program Conducts Systematic Inspections

Heavy Restrictions

Lead-Hazard Inspections

Pre-1978 Dallas housing falls under the federal EPA Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule (40 CFR Part 745) and HUD Lead Safe Housing Rule. Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 88 licenses lead abatement, and Dallas Code Chapter 27 incorporates lead-hazard standards.

Federal RRP Rule Governs Dallas Lead-Based Paint Renovation

Heavy Restrictions

EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule

EPA's RRP Rule requires that anyone paid to perform work that disturbs painted surfaces in homes, childcare facilities and preschools built before 1978 be certified and their employees be trained (either as a certified renovator or on-the-job by a certified renovator) in the use of lead-safe work practices that minimize occupants' exposure to lead hazards. In general, the RRP Rule does not appl...

Looking for Dallas County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Dallas city rules.

Rental Inspections in Dallas County