Arlington, TX Rental Property Rules: Tenant Anti-Harassment (2026)
Key Facts
- City harassment ordinance
- None
- Lockout damages
- 1 month rent + $1000
- Retaliation lookback
- 6 months
- State preemption
- TX §92.0091
Summary
Arlington has no city-specific tenant anti-harassment ordinance. Tenants rely on Texas Property Code §92.0081 prohibiting lockouts and utility shutoffs and §92.331 banning retaliation for repair requests, plus federal Fair Housing Act protections against discriminatory harassment.
Sec. 92.004. HARASSMENT. A party who files or prosecutes a suit under Subchapter B, D, E, or F in bad faith or for purposes of harassment is liable to the defendant for one month's rent plus $100 and for attorney's fees. Sec. 92.006. WAIVER OR EXPANSION OF DUTIES AND REMEDIES. (a) A landlord's duty or a tenant's remedy concerning security deposits, security devices, the landlord's disclosure of ownership and management, or utility cutoffs, as provided by Subchapter C, D, E, or G, respectively, may not be waived... (c) A landlord's duties and the tenant's remedies under Subchapter B, which covers conditions materially affecting the physical health or safety of the ordinary tenant, may not be waived except as provided in Subsections (d), (e), and (f) of this section.
Full Breakdown
Unlike California and New York cities that enacted detailed tenant anti-harassment ordinances with private rights of action, Arlington defers to state law. Texas Property Code §92.0081 forbids landlord lockouts without judicial process and §92.008 bars unlawful utility shutoffs. Section 92.331 prohibits retaliation within six months of a tenants good-faith repair request, complaint to a code official, or organizing activity. Texas Property Code §92.0091 also limits city authority to impose new tenant-protection mandates resembling rent control. Discriminatory harassment based on protected class remains actionable through HUD and the Texas Workforce Commission Civil Rights Division.
Violations & Fines
Illegal lockouts trigger one months rent plus 1000 dollars under §92.0081. Retaliation triggers one months rent plus 500 dollars and attorneys fees under §92.333. Discriminatory harassment carries HUD penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Arlington protect tenants from landlord harassment?
Can I sue if my landlord shuts off utilities to force me out?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Arlington
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Arlington to another location·View the Texas rental property rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Tenant Anti-Harassment in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Tarrant County handle tenant anti-harassment.