Tex. Prop. Code Ann. §§ 92.001–92.355 § 92.333
TENANT REMEDIES.
Operative Text
Sec. 92.333. TENANT REMEDIES. In addition to other remedies provided by law, if a landlord retaliates against a tenant under this subchapter, the tenant may recover from the landlord a civil penalty of one month's rent plus $500, actual damages, court costs, and reasonable attorney's fees in an action for recovery of property damages, moving costs, actual expenses, civil penalties, or declaratory or injunctive relief, less any delinquent rents or other sums for which the tenant is liable to the landlord. If the tenant's rent payment to the landlord is subsidized in whole or in part by a governmental entity, the civil penalty granted under this section shall reflect the fair market rent of the dwelling plus $500. Acts 1983, 68th Leg., p. 3637, ch. 576, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1984. Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 650, Sec. 9, eff. Aug. 28, 1989; Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 48, Sec. 16, eff. Sept. 1, 1993. Redesignated from Property Code Sec. 92.057(d) and amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 869, Sec. 5, eff. Jan. 1, 1996.
Under Texas Property Code § 92.333, when a landlord retaliates against a tenant in violation of the anti-retaliation subchapter, the law provides the tenant with a specific set of remedies. These include a civil penalty equal to one month's rent plus $500 (or fair market rent plus $500 if the tenant receives a government rent subsidy), along with actual damages, court costs, and reasonable attorney's fees. Any amounts the tenant owes the landlord, such as unpaid rent, are subtracted from the recovery.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Texas Property Code § 92.333 establishes significant financial exposure for landlords who engage in retaliatory conduct against tenants. Operators who comply with anti-retaliation rules—avoiding actions like raising rent, reducing services, or initiating eviction in response to a tenant's protected activity—generally avoid triggering these remedies. Maintaining clear, documented, non-retaliatory justifications for any adverse actions taken against a tenant is a hallmark of compliant property management practice.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 92.333 of the Texas Property Code gives tenants who have experienced landlord retaliation the right to pursue a civil penalty of one month's rent plus $500, actual damages, court costs, and attorney's fees through a court action. If your rent is subsidized by a government program, the civil penalty is calculated using the fair market rent of the unit plus $500 instead. Tenants who believe they have experienced retaliation may consider consulting a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider to understand the range of enforcement paths available, including filing a lawsuit for declaratory or injunctive relief.
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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