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Dallas, TX Public Health Rules: Bed-Bug Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

State authority
TX Property Code Ch. 92
Local authority
Dallas Code Chapter 27
Tenant notice
Required in writing
Landlord remedy time
Reasonable, usually 7 days
Treatment
Licensed pest control required

Summary

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.

Sec. 92.052. LANDLORD'S DUTY TO REPAIR OR REMEDY. (a) A landlord shall make a diligent effort to repair or remedy a condition if:(1) the tenant specifies the condition in a notice to the person to whom or to the place where rent is normally paid;(2) the tenant is not delinquent in the payment of rent at the time notice is given; and(3) the condition:(A) materially affects the physical health or safety of an ordinary tenant; or(B) arises from the landlord's failure to provide and maintain in good operating condition a device to supply hot water of a minimum temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit.(b) Unless the condition was caused by normal wear and tear, the landlord does not have a duty during the lease term or a renewal or extension to repair or remedy a condition caused by:(1) the ten...

Source: Dallas City CodeView official code

Full Breakdown

Texas does not have a statewide bed bug statute, but Property Code Section 92.052 makes landlords responsible for conditions that materially affect health and safety. Dallas Chapter 27 supplements this by requiring rental units to be free of insect infestation and obligating owners to engage licensed pest control when notified. Tenants must give written notice and reasonable access. After notice, an unaddressed infestation can be reported to Dallas Code Compliance, which may issue citations or order remediation. Single-family homeowners are responsible for their own treatment. Hotel infestations fall under both state lodging rules and city consumer health inspections.

Violations & Fines

Landlord failure to treat a reported bed bug infestation within a reasonable time can result in code citations, tenant repair-and-deduct or termination remedies under Property Code 92.056, and fines up to two thousand dollars per day.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Dallas

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All Dallas rules

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