Fair Housing in Texas
Announcements
TDHCA seeks survey participants for Fair Housing Choice
The Department is in the process of updating the State of Texas Plan for Fair Housing Choice: Analysis of Impediments, the purpose of which is to examine a range of public and private factors that influence Texans’ choice of housing. Visit TDHCA’s Analysis of Impediments page to learn how you can participate in the development of the new Plan!
Expanding Opportunities. Expanding Choice.
It has been well-established that many people do not know their rights under the Fair Housing Act, and of those who do, many do not report housing discrimination because they don’t know where to go or they believe nothing will be done about it. Some may even fear consequences from neighbors or landlords. TDHCA, as Texas’ lead affordable housing agency, is committed to fair housing choice. Everyone has the right (www.hud.gov) to choose where they want to live whether they are buying, selling, or renting a home. You cannot be denied access to a home solely on the basis of color, race, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or your familial status (children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women, and people securing custody of children under the age of 18).
Fair Housing Basics
The general public, including buyers/renters; elected officials; housing developers; mortgage brokers; and leasing/loaning agents, will benefit from a greater understanding of the Federal and Texas Fair Housing Acts, and their impact on daily activities. We have gathered several fair housing resources on this page to help answer many of your fair housing questions. More »
Buyers and Renters
Buyers and renters should know their rights under the Fair Housing Act, know how to identify practices that may be discriminatory, and know where to turn for guidance or help with suspected fair housing violations. Having an understanding of the Fair Housing Act can help give Texans the freedom they need to make choices about where they want to live. More »
Contract Administrators
TDHCA strives to promote sound housing policies; promote leveraging of state and local resources; prevent discrimination; and ensure the stability and continuity of services through a fair, nondiscriminatory and open process. More »
Developers, Architects, and Engineers
Developers, Architects, and Engineers of multifamily properties must understand their obligations, not only related to choice and leasing practices, but also construction design requirements that are necessary to comply with the Fair Housing Act. More »
Lenders and Real Estate Professionals
Lenders; real estate brokers and agents; and management companies and leasing agents, as gate keepers for housing choices, must be mindful of how Fair Housing laws impact their marketing, lending, and leasing decisions.
Violations
Suspected Fair Housing Act violations can be reported to the Civil Rights Division of the Texas Workforce Commission (www.twc.state.tx.us) or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD.gov).
