Fort Worth, TX Rental Property Rules: Tenant Anti-Harassment (2026)
Key Facts
- State retaliation law
- TX Property Code Sec. 92.331
- Lockout/utility statute
- Sec. 92.0081 and 92.008
- Dedicated TAHO
- Not adopted in Fort Worth
- Penalty for retaliation
- One month rent plus $500
- Local human relations
- FW Human Relations Commission
Summary
Fort Worth has no comprehensive tenant anti-harassment ordinance. Tenants rely on Texas Property Code Section 92.331 retaliation rules and Section 92.0081 lockout protections, plus federal Fair Housing Act and Fort Worth's Human Relations ordinance for harassment based on protected characteristics.
Sec. 92.331. RETALIATION BY LANDLORD. (a) A landlord may not retaliate against a tenant by taking an action described by Subsection (b) because the tenant:(1) in good faith exercises or attempts to exercise against a landlord a right or remedy granted to the tenant by lease, municipal ordinance, or federal or state statute;(2) gives a landlord a notice to repair or exercise a remedy under this chapter;(3) complains to a governmental entity responsible for enforcing building or housing codes, a public utility, or a civic or nonprofit agency
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. Texas Property Code Section 92.0081 forbids landlord-initiated lockouts and utility shutoffs except in narrow circumstances. Fort Worth's Human Relations ordinance covers harassment in housing tied to protected classes, but the city has not adopted a stand-alone tenant anti-harassment ordinance like Los Angeles' THO that enumerates prohibited landlord conduct such as repeat unwanted entry, threats, or intimidation beyond Chapter 92 baseline protections.
Violations & Fines
Shutting off utilities, changing locks without proper procedure under Section 92.0081, repeat illegal entry, threats, or retaliatory actions for code complaints exposes landlords to one month's rent plus $1,000, actual damages, attorney fees, and writs of restoration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Fort Worth have a tenant anti-harassment ordinance like Los Angeles?
What can I do if my Fort Worth landlord shuts off my utilities?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Worth
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Tenant Anti-Harassment in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Tarrant County handle tenant anti-harassment.