Filing a Housing Discrimination Complaint in Texas

If you’re renting in Texas and believe you have been treated unfairly due to your race, religion, disability, or another protected characteristic, it’s important to know you have rights. Texas law, alongside federal protections, prohibits housing discrimination. Here’s how you can recognize unfair treatment and what you need to do to file a complaint.

Understanding Housing Discrimination in Texas

Housing discrimination means being treated differently in renting, leasing, or buying housing because of protected traits. In Texas, it’s illegal for your landlord or property manager to treat you unfairly because of:

• Race or color
• National origin
• Sex
• Religion
• Disability
• Familial status (having children under 18, pregnancy, etc.)

These protections come from both the Texas Fair Housing Act and the federal Fair Housing Act.

Where to File Your Complaint

In Texas, housing discrimination complaints are handled by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) Fair Housing Office. You also have the option to file directly with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

When to File

It’s best to act promptly—a housing discrimination complaint must be filed within one year of the alleged discriminatory act.

How to File a Housing Discrimination Complaint

Filing a complaint is straightforward, but certain steps are important for the process to move smoothly.

• Gather as much information as possible: details about the incident, dates, addresses, and names of everyone involved.
• Keep copies of correspondence, leases, or notices related to the incident.
• Consider documenting your experience as soon as you recognize the issue.

Official Complaint Form: TDHCA Fair Housing Complaint Form

• Form name: TDHCA Fair Housing Complaint Form
• When and how to use: Complete this form if you believe you have experienced housing discrimination in Texas. For example, if you were denied a rental because of your disability or family status, you would fill out this form and submit it to the TDHCA Fair Housing Office.
• Download the official TDHCA Fair Housing Complaint Form (PDF)

You can file your complaint by:

• Emailing it to fair.housing@tdhca.state.tx.us
• Faxing it to 512-475-0070
• Mailing it to: TDHCA Fair Housing, P.O. Box 13941, Austin, TX 78711-3941

Additional Options: HUD Housing Discrimination Complaint Form

• Form name: HUD Form 903 Online Complaint
• When and how to use: Use this federal form if you prefer to have HUD investigate your complaint. For example, if your case involves a landlord who receives federal funding, you may wish to use this route.
• Submit the HUD Housing Discrimination Complaint Form online

What Happens After You File

Once the form is received by TDHCA or HUD, an investigator reviews your complaint. They may request further details or documents. You and the landlord may also be invited to participate in conciliation, which is a voluntary process to reach a fair agreement.

If your complaint moves forward, you will be kept informed of the investigation and its resolution. If discrimination is found, remedies may include requiring the landlord to rent to you, pay damages, or change policies.

Relevant Texas Legislation

Texas renters’ rights against discrimination are protected under the Texas Property Code Title 15 - Fair Housing Practices[1]. Federal protections are provided by the Fair Housing Act[2].

FAQ: Housing Discrimination Complaints in Texas

1. What counts as housing discrimination in Texas?
   Any action that denies or limits housing based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, or familial status.
2. Can I file a complaint if the incident happened months ago?
   Yes, as long as you file within one year of the alleged discrimination.
3. Will filing a complaint stop an eviction?
   No, but if the eviction is based on discrimination, that can be investigated by TDHCA or HUD.
4. Can I file both with TDHCA and HUD?
   Yes, but you generally only need to file with one agency; they will coordinate as needed.
5. Do I need a lawyer to file a discrimination complaint?
   No, most renters file on their own, but you can seek legal help for advice.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Texas and federal law protect renters from discrimination based on certain characteristics.
• You have one year to file a complaint with TDHCA or HUD using official forms.
• Help is available through state and federal agencies to assist you in filing and understanding your rights.

Acting quickly ensures your complaint is considered and your rights protected.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs Fair Housing Office – Information and complaint submission
• Download the TDHCA Fair Housing Complaint Form (PDF)
• U.S. Department of HUD Fair Housing & Equal Opportunity – National help and online complaint form
• TDHCA Fair Housing Helpline: 800-525-0657
• Texas Law Help: Guide to Fair Housing Laws in Texas

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1. Texas Property Code, Title 15 - Fair Housing Practices
2. U.S. Fair Housing Act, 42 U.S.C. 3601 et seq.

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