Housing discrimination and landlord retaliation are serious violations of federal fair housing laws and Texas law. In The Woodlands, Texas, tenants may experience discrimination during the rental application process or retaliation after asserting their legal rights—sometimes without realizing that these actions may be unlawful.
The The Woodlands Office of the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC helps tenants in The Woodlands identify discriminatory or retaliatory landlord conduct and take appropriate legal action. Understanding your rights is essential to protecting your housing stability, financial security, and personal 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 prohibited based on:
- Race or color
- National origin
- Religion
- Sex (including sexual harassment)
- Familial status (having children)
- Disability
These protections apply to rental housing throughout The Woodlands, regardless of property type, community rules, or lease terms.
Common Examples of Housing Discrimination
Discrimination may occur at any stage of the rental relationship, including:
- Refusing to rent or renew a lease
- Charging higher rent, deposits, or fees
- Claiming a unit is unavailable when it is not
- Steering tenants toward or away from certain neighborhoods or communities
- Harassment or hostile treatment
- Refusing reasonable accommodations for disabilities
Even subtle or indirect conduct 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 reserved or accessible parking
- Adjusting rules, policies, or procedures
- Allowing reasonable physical modifications (at the tenant’s expense in some cases)
Unlawfully denying a reasonable accommodation 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 unsafe or unhealthy living conditions
- Complaining about housing issues
- Filing a fair housing complaint
- Exercising rights under Texas tenant law
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 or intimidation
Texas law prohibits retaliation when tenants act in good faith.
Burden of Proof in Retaliation Cases
When negative action occurs shortly after a tenant asserts their rights, retaliation may be presumed, shifting the burden to the landlord to prove a lawful reason for their actions.
Clear documentation, timelines, and written communication are critical in these cases.
How The Woodlands Office Can Help
The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC assists The Woodlands tenants with:
- Housing discrimination claims
- Retaliation defenses in eviction cases
- Reasonable accommodation disputes
- Fair housing complaints
- Lease enforcement and tenant advocacy
Our The Woodlands Office focuses on protecting tenant rights under Texas and federal fair housing laws.
