Housing discrimination and landlord retaliation are serious violations of federal fair housing laws and Texas law. In a large and diverse rental market like Dallas, tenants may experience discrimination during the application process or retaliation after asserting their legal rights—often without realizing these actions may be unlawful.
The Dallas Office of the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC helps tenants throughout Dallas and Dallas County identify discriminatory or retaliatory landlord conduct and take appropriate legal action. Understanding your rights 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 based on 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 or specific housing programs.
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 housing availability
- Steering tenants toward or away from certain properties
- Harassment or hostile treatment
- Refusing reasonable accommodations for disabilities
Even subtle or indirect practices 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
- Modifying policies or procedures
- Permitting reasonable physical modifications (at the tenant’s expense in some cases)
Refusing reasonable accommodations may constitute illegal 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 conditions
- Filing a fair housing complaint
- Joining or organizing a tenant association
Examples of Illegal Retaliation
Retaliation may include:
- Filing or threatening eviction
- Increasing 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
If adverse 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.
Timing, documentation, and communication records are critical in these cases.
How the Dallas Office Can Help
The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC assists Dallas-area tenants with:
- Housing discrimination claims
- Retaliation defenses in eviction cases
- Reasonable accommodation disputes
- Fair housing complaints
- Lease enforcement and tenant advocacy
Our Dallas Office understands Dallas County courts, local rental practices, and federal and Texas fair housing laws.