Rent Control: Dallas vs Mesquite

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.

Can my landlord raise my Mesquite rent $500 next month?

Only at the end of a lease term, or for month-to-month tenancies with proper notice. No dollar limit applies under Texas law.

Is there a cap on how often rent can be increased?

No. During a fixed-term lease rent cannot change, but at renewal landlords can raise rent as often and as much as they wish.

What if I live in a tax-credit (LIHTC) property?

LIHTC rents are capped at federal maximums based on area median income. These limits are set annually by HUD and are not local rules.