Are there laws that protect a tenant from unfair practices by landlords?

Yes, there are laws that protect a tenant from unfair practices by landlords in Texas. The Texas Property Code outlines the rights of both landlords and tenants. This law holds landlords responsible for maintaining the premises in a safe and habitable condition, returning security deposits, and providing reasonable notice before entering the rental unit. Additionally, the Texas Fair Housing Act makes it illegal for landlords to discriminate against potential tenants on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or age. It is also illegal for landlords to evict a tenant or increase rent in retaliation for a tenant exercising a legal right. Texas landlords must also comply with the federal Truth in Lending Act, which requires landlords to provide written disclosures about rental costs, security deposits, and any additional fees in advance of a lease being signed. This law is intended to protect potential tenants from being charged hidden fees or other costs that were not previously disclosed. Further, Texas security deposit laws require that landlords return a tenant’s security deposit within thirty days after the tenant vacates the rental unit, subject to deductions for unpaid rent or property damage. These laws are intended to protect tenants from landlords who may attempt to keep a tenant’s deposit without cause. In short, tenants in Texas have legal rights, and landlords must abide by those rights. If a tenant feels their rights have been violated, they can seek legal counsel to help protect them from unfair practices by their landlord.

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Are there laws that protect a tenant from unfair practices by landlords?

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