Dallas County, 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
- County ordinance
- None adopted
- Retaliation penalty
- One month rent plus $500
- Lockout penalty
- One month rent plus $1,000
Summary
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.
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 ... (b) A landlord may not, within six months after the date of the tenant's action under Subsection (a), retaliate against the tenant by: (1) filing an eviction proceeding ...
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. 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.
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 92.008, 92.0081, and 92.331; harassment based on protected classes triggers federal and any city-level civil rights enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Dallas County have a tenant anti-harassment ordinance?
What can I do if my landlord shuts off my utilities?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dallas County
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