Bed-Bug Rules: Dallas vs Garland
How do bed-bug rules rules compare between Dallas, TX and Garland, TX?
Dallas and Garland have similar restriction levels.
Dallas, TX
Dallas County
Texas Property Code Chapter 92 requires landlords to maintain habitable rentals, and Dallas Code Chapter 27 Minimum Property Standards treats untreated bed bug infestations as a habitability defect that owners must remedy promptly.
View full Dallas rules →Garland, TX
Dallas County
Texas Property Code Chapter 92 makes landlords statewide responsible for habitable rentals including bed bug remediation. DCHHS responds to complaints in unincorporated Dallas County and refers tenants to municipal code compliance inside city limits.
View full Garland rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Dallas | Garland |
|---|---|---|
| State authority | TX Property Code Ch. 92 | - |
| Local authority | Dallas Code Chapter 27 | - |
| Tenant notice | Required in writing | Required in writing |
| Landlord remedy time | Reasonable, usually 7 days | - |
| Treatment | Licensed pest control required | Licensed pest control required |
| State law | - | TX Property Code Chapter 92 |
| County role | - | DCHHS handles unincorporated complaints |
| City role | - | Local code compliance leads |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Dallas FAQ
Can I withhold rent for bed bugs in Dallas?
Texas does not allow general rent withholding. After proper written notice and unreasonable delay, tenants may use Property Code 92.056 remedies including repair-and-deduct, lease termination, or a court order requiring repair.
Who pays for bed bug treatment?
Landlords typically pay in rentals because of habitability duties. If a tenant introduced and concealed the infestation, the lease may shift cost. Single-family homeowners pay their own treatment.
Garland FAQ
Does Dallas County have a bed bug ordinance?
No. Dallas County relies on Texas Property Code Chapter 92 for rental habitability and on city ordinances inside incorporated areas. DCHHS investigates complaints and refers tenants to the appropriate enforcement agency.
What can a tenant do if the landlord ignores the problem?
Send written notice, give reasonable access, then use Property Code 92.056 remedies: repair-and-deduct within limits, lease termination, or sue for court-ordered repair and damages. Free legal aid is available.
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