Arlington vs Fort Worth
How do tenant anti-harassment rules compare between Arlington, TX and Fort Worth, TX?
Arlington has fewer restrictions than Fort Worth.
Arlington, TX
Tarrant County
Arlington has no city-specific tenant anti-harassment ordinance. Tenants rely on Texas Property Code §92.0081 prohibiting lockouts and utility shutoffs and §92.331 banning retaliation for repair requests, plus federal Fair Housing Act protections against discriminatory harassment.
View full Arlington rules →Fort Worth, TX
Tarrant County
Fort Worth has no comprehensive tenant anti-harassment ordinance. Tenants rely on Texas Property Code Section 92.331 retaliation rules and Section 92.0081 lockout protections, plus federal Fair Housing Act and Fort Worth's Human Relations ordinance for harassment based on protected characteristics.
View full Fort Worth rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington | Fort Worth |
|---|---|---|
| City harassment ordinance | None | - |
| Lockout damages | 1 month rent + $1000 | - |
| Retaliation lookback | 6 months | - |
| State preemption | TX §92.0091 | - |
| State retaliation law | - | TX Property Code Sec. 92.331 |
| Lockout/utility statute | - | Sec. 92.0081 and 92.008 |
| Dedicated TAHO | - | Not adopted in Fort Worth |
| Penalty for retaliation | - | One month rent plus $500 |
| Local human relations | - | FW Human Relations Commission |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Arlington FAQ
Does Arlington protect tenants from landlord harassment?
Only through state and federal law. Arlington has no city-level harassment ordinance, so tenants rely on Texas Property Code lockout, utility, and retaliation protections.
Can I sue if my landlord shuts off utilities to force me out?
Yes. Texas Property Code §92.008 makes unlawful utility shutoffs actionable for one months rent plus 1000 dollars and attorneys fees in justice court.
Fort Worth FAQ
Does Fort Worth have a tenant anti-harassment ordinance like Los Angeles?
No. Fort Worth has not adopted a comprehensive tenant anti-harassment ordinance. Tenants rely on Texas Property Code Section 92.331 for retaliation and Sections 92.008 and 92.0081 for utility shutoff and lockout claims.
What can I do if my Fort Worth landlord shuts off my utilities?
Texas Property Code Section 92.008 forbids landlord-initiated utility shutoffs except in narrow circumstances. Tenants can recover actual damages, one month's rent plus $1,000, attorney fees, and seek a writ of restoration.
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