Rent Control: Arlington vs Fort Worth

Does Arlington have rent control?

No. Arlington has never enacted rent control and the Arlington Code of Ordinances contains no rent stabilization chapter. Tex. Local Gov't Code § 214.902 preempts municipal rent control absent a disaster-related housing-emergency finding and governor approval.

Can Arlington pass a rent control ordinance?

Only under Tex. Local Gov't Code § 214.902, which requires Arlington City Council to find a housing emergency due to a declared disaster under Tex. Gov't Code § 418.004 and the governor must approve the ordinance. Both conditions must be met.

What protections do Arlington tenants have without rent control?

Tex. Prop. Code Ch. 92 covers security deposits (30 days under § 92.103), repair-and-deduct (§§ 92.056–92.0563), and retaliation — § 92.331 bars a rent increase within six months of a protected tenant act, with a one month's rent plus $500 penalty under § 92.333.

Does Fort Worth have rent control?

No. Fort Worth has never enacted rent control and the Fort Worth Code of Ordinances contains no rent stabilization chapter. Tex. Local Gov't Code § 214.902 preempts municipal rent control absent a disaster-related housing-emergency finding and gubernatorial approval.

Can Fort Worth pass a rent control ordinance?

Only under Tex. Local Gov't Code § 214.902, which requires both a Fort Worth City Council finding of a housing emergency due to a declared disaster under Tex. Gov't Code § 418.004 and gubernatorial approval. Absent both, any local rent control would be void.

What protections do Fort Worth tenants have without rent control?

Tex. Prop. Code Ch. 92 covers security deposits (30 days under § 92.103), repair-and-deduct (§§ 92.056–92.0563), and retaliation — Tex. Prop. Code § 92.331 bars a rent increase issued within six months of a protected tenant act, with a one month's rent plus $500 penalty under § 92.333.