Housing discrimination and landlord retaliation are serious violations of federal fair housing laws and Texas law. In Fort Worth’s diverse rental market, tenants may experience discrimination during the application process or retaliation after asserting their legal rights—sometimes without realizing these actions may be unlawful.
The Fort Worth Office of the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC helps tenants throughout Fort Worth and Tarrant County identify discriminatory or retaliatory landlord conduct and take appropriate legal action. Understanding your rights under fair housing and tenant-protection laws is essential to protecting your housing stability, finances, and dignity.
What Is Housing Discrimination?
Housing discrimination occurs when a landlord, property manager, or housing provider treats a tenant or prospective tenant unfairly because of a legally protected characteristic.
Protected Classes Under Fair Housing Laws
Under the Federal Fair Housing Act and Texas law, discrimination is generally prohibited based on:
- Race or color
- National origin
- Religion
- Sex (including sexual harassment)
- Familial status (having children)
- Disability
Additional protections may apply under local ordinances, housing programs, or disability-related regulations.
Common Examples of Housing Discrimination
Discrimination can occur at any stage of the rental relationship, including:
- Refusing to rent or renew a lease
- Charging higher rent, deposits, or fees
- Misrepresenting the availability of housing
- Steering tenants toward or away from certain neighborhoods
- Harassment or hostile treatment
- Refusing reasonable accommodations for disabilities
Even subtle or indirect actions may violate fair housing laws.
Disability Accommodations & Modifications
Landlords must provide reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities when necessary for equal use and enjoyment of the rental property.
Examples include:
- Allowing service or emotional support animals
- Providing accessible or reserved parking
- Adjusting rules, policies, or procedures
- Permitting reasonable physical modifications (at the tenant’s expense in some cases)
Unlawfully denying reasonable accommodations may constitute housing discrimination.
What Is Landlord Retaliation?
Landlord retaliation occurs when a landlord takes adverse action against a tenant because the tenant exercised a legal right.
Protected Tenant Actions Include:
- Requesting lawful repairs
- Reporting housing or code violations
- Complaining about unsafe or unhealthy conditions
- Filing a fair housing complaint
- Joining or organizing a tenant association
Examples of Illegal Retaliation
Retaliation may include:
- Filing or threatening eviction
- Raising rent shortly after complaints
- Reducing services or amenities
- Lockouts or utility shutoffs
- Harassment, intimidation, or threats
Texas law prohibits retaliation when tenants act in good faith.
Burden of Proof in Retaliation Cases
If negative action occurs soon after a tenant asserts their rights, retaliation may be presumed, shifting the burden to the landlord to show a lawful reason for their conduct.
Documentation, timelines, and written communication are critical in these cases.
How the Fort Worth Office Can Help
The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC assists Fort Worth-area tenants with:
- Housing discrimination claims
- Retaliation defenses in eviction cases
- Reasonable accommodation disputes
- Fair housing complaints
- Lease enforcement and tenant advocacy
Our Fort Worth Office understands Tarrant County courts, local rental practices, and federal and Texas fair housing laws.
