Rent Control: Cedar Hill vs Dallas

Is there rent control in unincorporated Dallas County?

No. Rent control is prohibited throughout Texas under Property Code §214.902. No city or county can limit rent amounts.

Can my landlord raise rent by any amount?

Yes, with proper notice per your lease terms. Texas law does not limit rent increases. Month-to-month tenants receive notice per Property Code §91.001.

Does Dallas have rent control?

No. Dallas has never enacted rent control and the Dallas City Code contains no rent stabilization chapter. Tex. Local Gov't Code § 214.902 preempts any Texas city from adopting rent control absent a disaster-related housing emergency finding and gubernatorial approval.

Can Dallas pass a rent control ordinance?

Only if the Dallas City Council finds a housing emergency due to a declared disaster under Tex. Gov't Code § 418.004 and the governor approves the ordinance. Both conditions must be met under Tex. Local Gov't Code § 214.902; otherwise any local rent control would be void.

What protections do Dallas 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.