Texas Fair Housing Testing & Enforcement Agencies Guide

Understanding your rights as a renter can feel overwhelming, especially when facing possible discrimination in Texas. In this guide, we explain how Texas fair housing testing and enforcement agencies work, what your options are if you believe your rights have been violated, and connect you to key government resources to help protect yourself and your family.

What Is Fair Housing Testing and Why Is It Important?

Fair housing testing is an investigative tool used to identify illegal housing discrimination. Testers—people with similar profiles except for the characteristic in question (such as race, disability, or family status)—contact landlords, real estate agents, or property managers to document differences in treatment. The results help enforcement agencies hold violators accountable and guide statewide efforts to stop discrimination.

Key Texas Agencies: Who Enforces Fair Housing Laws?

In Texas, federal and state agencies investigate and enforce fair housing laws:

• Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Civil Rights Division — The state-level agency that investigates housing discrimination under Texas law. Learn more about the Civil Rights Division here.
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) — Handles federal complaints. If you file with the TWC, your complaint is often "dual filed" with HUD.
• Local certified fair housing organizations offer additional support and testing in certain cities.

These agencies enforce protections under the Texas Fair Housing Act and the federal Fair Housing Act¹.

Types of Discrimination These Agencies Investigate

• Refusing to rent, renew, or offer different terms because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or familial status
• Making discriminatory statements or advertisements
• Harassment or retaliation for exercising fair housing rights
• Denying reasonable accommodations for disabilities

How to Report Housing Discrimination in Texas

If you suspect discrimination, you can file a formal complaint with the Texas Workforce Commission Civil Rights Division. Acting quickly is important—Texas generally requires filing within one year of the alleged violation.

Steps to File with the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC)

• Gather evidence: save advertisements, emails, leases, or notes about your interactions
• Complete the official form: The main form is the Housing Discrimination Complaint. Use the TWC's Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (no formal number). This form is used to officially start an investigation.
• Practical example: You believe a landlord denied you an apartment after learning you have children. You fill out the TWC complaint form, explain your situation, and submit supporting emails.
• Submission: You can submit the form by email, mail, fax, or in person. See official TWC submission details here.

Once your complaint is received, the TWC or HUD may contact you for more information and may seek to mediate a settlement. If the case is not resolved, they will complete a formal investigation.

Who Handles Disputes and Appeals?

In Texas, the Texas Workforce Commission Civil Rights Division is the administrative body overseeing residential discrimination complaints for renters. Disputes and appeals after an investigation may proceed to administrative hearings or, in some cases, to state or federal courts.

Official Forms Related to Fair Housing in Texas

• Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (No form number)
  When and How Used: Use this form to report suspected discrimination by a landlord, property manager, or real estate professional. It’s the first step in launching an official investigation by state or federal authorities.
  Download the Texas Housing Discrimination Complaint Form
• Reasonable Accommodation Request
  When and How Used: Not a state-issued form, but many landlords require a written request if you need a change or exception to rules due to a disability. Include details of your need and any supporting documentation. For tips, see HUD's Joint Statement on Reasonable Accommodations.

What Happens After You File a Complaint?

After you submit a complaint:

• The agency reviews your information and may request more details.
• They contact the landlord or housing provider for a response.
• A fair housing investigator may test independently or conduct interviews.
• If the case is valid, the agency may attempt mediation, and if unresolved, proceed with legal action or a hearing.

While the process may take several months, it helps safeguard equal access to homes for all Texans.

FAQ: Fair Housing Testing and Enforcement in Texas

1. What is the Texas Workforce Commission Civil Rights Division?
   The TWC enforces state fair housing laws and investigates complaints from renters facing discrimination across Texas.
2. How long do I have to file a housing discrimination complaint?
   Generally, you have one year from the date of the alleged discrimination to file a complaint with TWC or HUD.
3. Do I need a lawyer to file a fair housing complaint?
   No, you do not need a lawyer to file a complaint, but legal advice can be helpful if your case is complex or goes to hearing.
4. Can I file with both HUD and Texas agencies?
   Yes. Filing with TWC automatically "dual files" your complaint with HUD in most cases.
5. What happens after my complaint is accepted?
   The agency investigates, may attempt settlement, and if unresolved, can proceed to administrative hearings or refer your case for legal action.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Texas Workforce Commission Civil Rights Division: (888) 452-4778
• HUD Fair Housing Complaint Portal
• TexasLawHelp Fair Housing Resource Center
• Local fair housing and legal aid organizations: search "Texas fair housing center" or contact your city for local options

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1. Texas Fair Housing Act, Tex. Property Code Chapter 301
2. Federal Fair Housing Act, 42 U.S.C. 3601 et seq.

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