Dallas, TX Rental Property Rules: Relocation Assistance (2026)
Key Facts
- State law
- No TX relocation assistance statute
- Dallas ordinance
- No formal relocation program adopted
- Federal URA
- Only federally funded displacement
- Condemnation
- Chapter 27 unsafe-building referrals only
- Severity
- Permissive: landlord-favorable
Summary
Texas has no statewide tenant relocation assistance law, and Dallas has not adopted a formal relocation-payment ordinance. Tenants displaced by no-fault terminations or condemnation generally receive no city-mandated payment, though federal Uniform Relocation Act may apply if federal funds are involved.
Sec. 92.054. CASUALTY LOSS. (a) If a condition results from an insured casualty loss, such as fire, smoke, hail, explosion, or a similar cause, the period for repair does not begin until the landlord receives the insurance proceeds.(b) If after a casualty loss the rental premises are as a practical matter totally unusable for residential purposes and if the casualty loss is not caused by the negligence or fault of the tenant, a member of the tenant's family, or a guest or invitee of the tenant, either the landlord or the tenant may terminate the lease by giving written notice to the other any time before repairs are completed. If the lease is terminated, the tenant is entitled only to a pro rata refund of rent from the date the tenant moves out and to a refund of any security deposit ot...
Full Breakdown
Unlike California or several other states, Texas does not require landlords to pay relocation assistance when terminating tenancies for owner move-in, substantial rehab, demolition, or conversion. Dallas City Code does not contain a generally applicable relocation-payment ordinance for displaced tenants. The federal Uniform Relocation Assistance Act (URA) only covers displacement caused by federally funded projects. When Dallas Code Compliance condemns an unsafe building under Chapter 27 Minimum Property Standards, displaced occupants may receive limited emergency assistance through nonprofit referrals, but landlords have no statutory obligation to pay moving costs. Tenants asked to vacate after lease end have no relocation rights under Texas law.
Violations & Fines
Not applicable. Without a city ordinance, no enforcement mechanism exists for tenants seeking relocation assistance from private Dallas landlords.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my Dallas landlord owe me moving costs if they end my lease?
What about if my building is condemned?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dallas
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Dallas to another location·View the Texas rental property rules overview
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