Tex. Loc. Gov't Code Ann. ch. 214 (subchs. A, B, C, G, H, I, Z) § 214.903
FAIR HOUSING ORDINANCES.
Operative Text
Sec. 214.903. FAIR HOUSING ORDINANCES. (a) The governing body of a municipality may adopt fair housing ordinances that provide fair housing rights, compliance duties, and remedies that are substantially equivalent to those granted under federal law. Enforcement procedures and remedies in fair housing ordinances may vary from state or federal fair housing law.(b) Fair housing ordinances that were in existence on January 1, 1991, and are more restrictive than federal fair housing law shall remain in effect. Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 22, eff. Sept. 1, 1993. Renumbered from Sec. 51.002 by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 62, Sec. 19.01(84), eff. Sept. 1, 1999. Renumbered from Sec. 215.005 by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 12.002(6), eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Under Tex. Loc. Gov't Code § 214.903, Texas municipalities are authorized to enact their own local fair housing ordinances, provided those ordinances offer rights, duties, and remedies that are substantially equivalent to federal fair housing protections. Local ordinances may differ from state or federal law in how they are enforced and what remedies are available. Additionally, any local fair housing ordinance that was already in place as of January 1, 1991, and that exceeds federal standards, is preserved and continues to remain in force.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating within Texas municipalities should be aware that, under § 214.903, the city or town where a property is located may have adopted its own fair housing ordinance with enforcement procedures and remedies that differ from—and in some cases exceed—those found in federal law. Compliant operators generally familiarize themselves with both the applicable local ordinance and federal fair housing requirements to understand the full scope of their obligations. Municipalities with pre-1991 ordinances that are more restrictive than federal law continue to enforce those stricter standards.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants in Texas municipalities may have fair housing protections beyond those provided by federal law, depending on whether their city has adopted a local ordinance under § 214.903. Local ordinances can offer different or additional remedies and enforcement pathways, such as filing a complaint with a local fair housing or human rights office rather than—or in addition to—a federal agency. Tenants who believe their fair housing rights have been violated may wish to contact their local municipality's housing office or a tenant-rights organization to understand what local protections and complaint processes may apply.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 28, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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