Dallas, TX Rental Property Rules: Tenant Anti-Harassment (2026)
Key Facts
- State retaliation law
- TX Property Code Sec. 92.331
- Dallas civil rights ord.
- Code Chapter 46
- Dedicated TAHO
- Not adopted in Dallas
- Lockout/utility statute
- Sec. 92.0081 and 92.008
- Penalty for retaliation
- One month rent plus $500
Summary
Dallas does not have a comprehensive tenant anti-harassment ordinance like Los Angeles or Seattle. Tenants rely on Texas Property Code Section 92.331 retaliation rules and Dallas Anti-Discrimination Ordinance Chapter 46 for protection against landlord harassment based on protected characteristics.
Sec. 92.0081. REMOVAL OF PROPERTY AND EXCLUSION OF RESIDENTIAL TENANT. (a) A landlord may not remove a door, window, or attic hatchway cover or a lock, latch, hinge, hinge pin, doorknob, or other mechanism connected to a door, window, or attic hatchway cover from premises leased to a tenant or remove furniture, fixtures, or appliances furnished by the landlord from premises leased to a tenant unless the landlord removes the item for a bona fide repair or replacement. If a landlord removes any of the items listed in this subsection for a bona fide repair or replacement, the repair or replacement must be promptly performed.(b) A landlord may not intentionally prevent a tenant from entering the leased premises except by judicial process unless the exclusion results from:(1) bona fide repai...
Full Breakdown
Texas Property Code Section 92.331 prohibits landlords from retaliating against tenants who exercise lawful rights such as reporting code violations, requesting repairs, or joining tenant organizations. Remedies include a civil penalty of one month's rent plus $500, actual damages, and attorney fees. Dallas Anti-Discrimination Ordinance Chapter 46 covers harassment in housing tied to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, and source of income. Unlike Los Angeles' THO, Dallas has not adopted a stand-alone tenant anti-harassment ordinance enumerating prohibited landlord conduct such as utility shutoffs, lock changes, or repeat unwanted entry beyond Chapter 92 baseline protections.
Violations & Fines
Shutting off utilities, changing locks without proper procedure, repeat illegal entry, threats, or retaliatory actions for code complaints violate Texas Property Code Sections 92.0081 and 92.331; harassment based on Chapter 46 protected classes triggers civil rights enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Dallas have a tenant anti-harassment ordinance like LA?
What can I do if my Dallas landlord shuts off my utilities?
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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