Rent Control: Dallas vs Richardson
How do rent control rules compare between Dallas, TX and Richardson, TX?
Dallas and Richardson have similar restriction levels.
Dallas, TX
Dallas County
Dallas has NO local rent control ordinance and is preempted from passing one by Tex. Local Gov't Code § 214.902, which forbids municipal rent control unless the governor approves it after a declared housing-emergency disaster. The Dallas City Code contains no rent stabilization chapter.
View full Dallas rules →Richardson, TX
Dallas County
Texas Local Government Code 214.902 preempts rent control; Richardson may not cap rents or annual increases on private residential property.
View full Richardson rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Dallas | Richardson |
|---|---|---|
| Local Ordinance | None — no city rent control | - |
| Preemption Statute | Tex. Local Gov't Code § 214.902 | - |
| Month-to-Month Notice | 1 month, Tex. Prop. Code § 91.001 | - |
| Security Deposit Return | 30 days after surrender (§ 92.103) | - |
| Enforcement | Texas state courts — no city rent board | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Dallas FAQ
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.
Richardson FAQ
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