Dallas County has not adopted a comprehensive tenant anti-harassment ordinance. Tenants countywide rely on Texas Property Code Section 92.331 retaliation rules and Section 92.0081 lockout and utility-shutoff protections, with city-level civil rights ordinances providing additional coverage in some Dallas County cities.
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. Sections 92.008 and 92.0081 prohibit landlord-initiated utility shutoffs and unlawful lockouts, with statutory penalties of one month's rent plus $1,000 plus damages. Dallas County itself has no harassment ordinance enumerating prohibited landlord conduct. Some cities such as Dallas extend protection through Anti-Discrimination Code Chapter 46. In unincorporated areas and suburbs without local ordinances, Texas Property Code is the only available remedy.
Shutting off utilities, changing locks without proper procedure, repeat illegal entry, threats, or retaliatory actions for code complaints violate Texas Property Code Sections 92.008, 92.0081, and 92.331; harassment based on protected classes triggers federal and any city-level civil rights enforcement.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
DeSoto, TX
DeSoto restricts parking of commercial vehicles in residential zoning districts. Commercial vehicles over one ton rated capacity, semi-tractors, trailers ove...
DeSoto, TX
DeSoto requires all residential swimming pools with water depths over 24 inches to be fully enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches (4 feet) tall, per Texas...
DeSoto, TX
DeSoto generally permits wood, vinyl, wrought iron, chain link, masonry, and composite fences in residential zones, but each district has specific rules. Fro...
DeSoto, TX
DeSoto limits residential fence heights based on yard location. Fences in front yards are typically limited to 4 feet tall, while side and rear yard fences m...
DeSoto, TX
DeSoto requires fences to be structurally sound, properly installed, and maintained in good repair. Posts must be set in concrete footings of adequate depth ...
DeSoto, TX
DeSoto discourages feeding of wildlife that creates nuisance or public health concerns. Intentional feeding of feral hogs, coyotes, raccoons, and similar wil...
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See how DeSoto's tenant anti-harassment rules stack up against other locations.
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