Are there laws that prohibit discrimination against tenants?

Yes, there are laws that prohibit discrimination against tenants in Texas. By law, landlords are not allowed to discriminate against tenants on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, or disability. Any kind of discrimination in leasing is illegal. The Texas Fair Housing Act, enforced by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), is the primary law that prohibits discrimination against tenants. The Act makes it illegal for anyone involved in the rental process--landlords, property owners, real estate brokers, and other agents--to deny a tenant access to housing, discriminate in the terms and conditions of a rental agreement, or treat some tenants differently than others. In addition, the Texas Property Code protects tenants from discrimination based on sexual orientation, criminal record, source of income, or military status. It also prohibits landlords from refusing to rent their properties to people just because they are elderly. Despite these laws, some landlords may still try to discriminate against certain types of tenants, so it is important to be aware of your rights as a tenant. If you feel you have been discriminated against by a landlord, it is important to contact a lawyer or the HUD office in Texas right away.

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