Are there any penalties for landlords who violate Fair Housing Law?

Yes, there are penalties for landlords who violate Fair Housing Law in Texas. Depending on the nature of the violation, the repercussions may include fines of up to $50,000, imprisonment of up to one year, punitive damages, or a combination of these punishments. In many cases, violation of Fair Housing Law is a civil matter. This means that the government can bring a case against the landlord. In this situation, the landlord is responsible for paying a fine to the government or a civil remedy, such as compensating tenants for discrimination and making changes to the discriminatory practice. In other cases, the violation of Fair Housing Law is a criminal matter. This means that the government can charge the landlord for the violation and bring criminal charges. Violation of Fair Housing Law can be a felony, which means that the landlord could receive a jail sentence of up to two years and/or a fine of up to $10,000. Additionally, tenants may bring suit against their landlord and may seek compensation for actual damages that were the result of the landlord’s discrimination. This could include damages that cover out-of-pocket costs, such as the difference between the rent charged and a fair market rent, or for emotional damages. In all cases, there are consequences for landlords who violate Fair Housing Law in Texas. It is important that landlords understand the laws to avoid any repercussions.

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What does Fair Housing Law protect against?
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Are there any exemptions to Fair Housing Law?

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