Fair Housing: Texas
This page is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute, and should not be construed as, legal advice. This page is not intended to provide a mandatory standard of care for the industry. Please consult with local counsel before taking any action based off of the information provided.
On these pages, you will find information about 1) the protected classes in each state’s fair housing law, 2) protected classes in the cities and counties in the state’s three largest city or metropolitan areas, and 3) protected class information in additional jurisdictions of interest to NAA members. We highlight source of income protections, where applicable, that could substantially impact industry operations. Please see the footnotes. NAA also has resources on the federal fair housing protections that apply nationwide.
We are currently in the process of optimizing NAA’s Fair Housing Protected Class Resources. If you do not see a jurisdiction of interest, please reach out to the NAA Government Affairs Team at [email protected].
Information on this page is current as of September 2022.
Texas Protected Classes
(State of Texas Property Code Chapter 301 - Texas Fair Housing Act § 301.021)
- Race
- Color
- National Origin
- Sex
- Religion
- Familial Status
- Disability
Regarding Public Assistance: Texas Local code § 250.007 states in part that "Except as provided by this section, a municipality or county may not adopt or enforce an ordinance or regulation that prohibits an owner, lessee, sublessee, assignee, managing agent, or other person having the right to lease, sublease, or rent a housing accommodation from refusing to lease or rent the housing accommodation to a person because the person's lawful source of income to pay rent includes funding from a federal housing assistance program. (b) This section does not affect an ordinance or regulation that prohibits the refusal to lease or rent a housing accommodation to a military veteran because of the veteran's lawful source of income to pay rent. (c) This section does not affect any authority of a municipality or county or decree to create or implement an incentive, contract commitment, density bonus, or other voluntary program designed to encourage the acceptance of a housing voucher directly or indirectly funded by the federal government, including a federal housing choice voucher." This preempts any local source of income protections.
This section includes relevant county and city information. Note there could be differences or overlap in the laws’ housing provider obligations.
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal and state protected classes
Buda Protected Classes
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
Dripping Springs Protected Classes
(Dripping Springs Municipal Code)
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
Kyle Protected Classes
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
San Marcos Protected Classes
(San Marcos Municipal Code §§ 46.076 et seq.)
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
This section includes relevant county and city information. Note there could be differences or overlap in the laws’ housing provider obligations.
(Travis County Code § 277.023)
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal and state protected classes
Austin Protected Classes
(Austin Municipal Code §§5-1; 5-1-1; 5-1-51; §5-5-4; §5-5-7)
In addition to enforcement of federal and state protected classes, this jurisdiction also includes the following protected classes:
- Age
- Creed
- Gender Identity
- HIV/AIDs Status
- Marital Status
- Retaliation
- Sexual Orientation
- Source of Income1
- Student Status
Manor Protected Classes
(Manor Municipal Code §1.11.034)
In addition to enforcement of federal and state protected classes, this jurisdiction also includes the following protected classes:
- Age
- Creed
- Marital Status
Pflugerville Protected Classes
(Pflugerville Municipal Code §31.67)
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
1Texas Local Code §250.007 pre-empts any source of income protections
This section includes relevant county and city information. Note there could be differences or overlap in the laws’ housing provider obligations.
(Williamson County Commissioners' Court Agendas and Minutes)
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal and state protected classes
Cedar Park Protected Classes
(Cedar Park Municipal Code §§ 4.01.001 et seq.)
In addition to enforcement of federal and state protected classes, this jurisdiction also includes the following protected classes:
- Age
- Creed
- Marital Status
Georgetown Protected Classes
(Georgetown Municipal Code §§ 9.04.010 et seq.)
In addition to enforcement of federal and state protected classes, this jurisdiction also includes the following protected classes:
- Ancestry
- Ethnicity
Hutto Protected Classes
(Hutto Municipal Code § 14.07.034)
In addition to enforcement of federal and state protected classes, this jurisdiction also includes the following protected classes:
- Age
- Creed
- Marital Status
Leander Protected Classes
(Leander Municipal Code §§ 1.10.031 et seq.)
In addition to enforcement of federal and state protected classes, this jurisdiction also includes the following protected classes:
- Age
- Creed
- Marital Status
Round Rock Protected Classes
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
This section includes relevant county and city information. Note there could be differences or overlap in the laws’ housing provider obligations.
(Brazos County Commissioners' Court Minutes)
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal and state protected classes
Bryan Protected Classes
(Bryan Municipal Code §§ 58-40 et seq.)
In addition to enforcement of federal and state protected classes, this jurisdiction also includes the following protected classes:
• Age
College Station Protected Classes
(College Station Municipal Code §§ 20-22 to 20-27)
In addition to enforcement of federal and state protected classes, this jurisdiction also includes the following protected classes:
- Chronic Alcoholism
- Chronic Mental Illness
- HIV/AIDs status
This section includes relevant county and city information. Note there could be differences or overlap in the laws’ housing provider obligations.
(Aransas County Commission Minutes and Agendas)
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal and state protected classes
Rockport Protected Classes
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
This section includes relevant county and city information. Note there could be differences or overlap in the laws’ housing provider obligations.
(Nueces County Commissioners' Court Agendas and Minutes)
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal and state protected classes
Corpus Christi Protected Classes
(Corpus Christi Municipal Code §§ 24-30 et seq.)
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
This section includes relevant county and city information. Note there could be differences or overlap in the laws’ housing provider obligations.
(San Patricio County Government)
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal and state protected classes
Portland Protected Classes
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
This section includes relevant county and city information. Note there could be differences or overlap in the laws’ housing provider obligations.
(Collin County Commissioner's Court Agendas)
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal and state protected classes
Allen Protected Classes
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
Fairview Protected Classes
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
Frisco Protected Classes
(City of Frisco Municipal Code Chapter 55 Article 1)
Frisco extends beyond Collin County into Denton County.
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
McKinney Protected Classes
(McKinney Municipal Code §§ 126-158 and 126-159)
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
Plano Protected Classes
(Plano Code of Ordinances Ch. 9.5 Art. 2 § 9.5-32)
Plano extends beyond Collin County into Denton County.
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
This section includes relevant county and city information. Note there could be differences or overlap in the laws’ housing provider obligations.
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal and state protected classes.
Addison Protected Classes
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
Cedar Hill Protected Classes
Cedar Hill is in both Dallas County and Ellis County.
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
Coppell Protected Classes
(Coppell Municipal Code § 6-10-13)
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
City of Dallas Protected Classes
(Dallas City Code Vol I § 20A-4; Vol. II § 46-7)
The City of Dallas extends beyond Dallas County into Collin, Denton, Rockwall, and Kaufman Counties.
In addition to enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes, this jurisdiction also includes the following protected classes:
- Gender Expression
- Gender Identity
- Sexual Orientation
- Source of Income2
Farmers Branch Protected Classes
(Farmers Branch Municipal Code § 6-10-13)
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
Garland Protected Classes
(Garland Municipal Code Chapter 32 Article III §32.86)
Garland Extends beyond Dallas County into Collin and Rockwall Counties.
In addition to enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes, this jurisdiction also includes the following protected classes:
- Age
Irving Protected Classes
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
Mesquite Protected Classes
(Mesquite Municipal Code §7-204)
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
Richardson Protected Classes
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
2Source of income is defined in Dallas as lawful, regular, and verifiable income, including housing vouchers and other government and non-government subsidies. Texas Local Government Code § 250.007 preempts counties and municipalities from enacting any legislation prohibiting a property owner or manager from refusing a tenant on the basis of their use of federal housing assistance programs to pay rent.
This section includes relevant county and city information. Note there could be differences or overlap in the laws’ housing provider obligations.
(Denton County Commission Archives)
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal and state protected classes
Aubery Protected Classes
(Aubery Municipal Code § 1.09.033)
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
City of Denton Protected Classes
(City of Denton Municipal Code §§ 15-32 to 15-34)
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
Flower Mound Protected Classes
(Flower Mound Municipal Code §§ 2-601 et seq.)
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
Lewisville Protected Classes
(Lewisville Municipal Code §§ 4.5-1 et seq.)
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
The Colony Protected Classes
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
Plano Protected Classes
(Plano Code of Ordinances Ch. 9.5 Art. 2 § 9.5-32)
Plano extends beyond Denton County into Collin County
This section includes relevant county and city information. Note there could be differences or overlap in the laws’ housing provider obligations.
(Ellis County Ordinances and Policies)
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal and state protected classes
Cedar Hill Protected Classes
Cedar Hill is in both Ellis County and Dallas County.
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
This section includes relevant county and city information. Note there could be differences or overlap in the laws’ housing provider obligations.
(Hunt County Commissioner's Court)
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal and state protected classes
This section includes relevant county and city information. Note there could be differences or overlap in the laws’ housing provider obligations.
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal and state protected classes
Burleson Protected Classes
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
This section includes relevant county and city information. Note there could be differences or overlap in the laws’ housing provider obligations.
(Kaufman County Regulations and Ordinances)
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal and state protected classes
This section includes relevant county and city information. Note there could be differences or overlap in the laws’ housing provider obligations.
(Parker County Commissioners' Orders and Resolutions)
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal and state protected classes
This section includes relevant county and city information. Note there could be differences or overlap in the laws’ housing provider obligations.
(Rockwall County Orders and Policies)
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal and state protected classes
City of Rockwall Protected Classes
(City of Rockwall Municipal Code)
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
This section includes relevant county and city information. Note there could be differences or overlap in the laws’ housing provider obligations.
(Tarrant County Commissioners'' Court Agendas and Minutes)
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal and state protected classes
Arlington Protected Classes
(City of Arlington Fair Housing Ordinance 06-082)
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
Benbrook Protected Classes
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
Euless Protected Classes
(Euless Municipal Code § 84-85(aj) (1))
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
Fort Worth Protected Classes
(Fort Worth Code of Ordinances Part 2 §§ 17-86 et seq.)
Fort Worth extends beyond Tarrant County into Denton, Parker, Wise, and Johnson Counties
In addition to enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes, this jurisdiction also includes the following protected classes:
- Gender Expression
- Gender Identity
- Sexual Orientation
- Transgender Status
Grapevine Protected Classes
In addition to enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes, this jurisdiction also includes the following protected classes:
- Age3
- Ancestry3
- Ethnicity3
- Gender Identity3
- Marital Status3
- Sexual Orientation3
- Source of Income3 4
North Richland Hills Protected Classes
(North Richland Hills Municipal Code)
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
Saginaw Protected Classes
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
3These classes are protected per the local housing authority but are not codified in local law.
4Texas Local Code §250.007 pre-empts source of income protections
This section includes relevant county and city information. Note there could be differences or overlap in the laws’ housing provider obligations.
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal and state protected classes
This section includes relevant county and city information. Note there could be differences or overlap in the laws’ housing provider obligations.
(Maverick County Commissioners' Court)
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal and state protected classes
Eagles Pass Protected Classes
(Eagles Pass Municipal Code §§ 17-23 to 17-25)
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
This section includes relevant county and city information. Note there could be differences or overlap in the laws’ housing provider obligations.
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal and state protected classes
City of El Paso Protected Classes
(City of El Paso Municipal Code § 17.20.040)
In addition to enforcement of federal and state protected classes, this jurisdiction also includes the following protected classes:
- Gender Identity
- Sexual Orientation
This section includes relevant county and city information. Note there could be differences or overlap in the laws’ housing provider obligations.
(Brazoria County Fair Housing Proclamation)
In addition to enforcement of federal and state protected classes, this jurisdiction also includes the following protected classes:
- Source of Income5
Clute Protected Classes
(Clute Municipal Code §§ 62-51 et seq.)
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
Pearland Protected Classes
Pearland is in both Brazoria and Harris Counties
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
5Texas Local code § 250.007 preempts any local source of income protections.
This section includes relevant county and city information. Note there could be differences or overlap in the laws’ housing provider obligations.
(Fort Bend County Commissioners' Court)
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal and state protected classes
Katy Protected Classes
Katy is in both Fort Bend and Harris counties
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
Richmond Protected Classes
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
Stafford Protected Classes
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
Sugar Land Protected Classes
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
This section includes relevant county and city information. Note there could be differences or overlap in the laws’ housing provider obligations.
(Galveston County Commissioners' Court Agenda and Minutes)
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal and state protected classes
City of Galveston Protected Classes
(City of Galveston Municipal Code §§ 12.5-3 to 12.5-5)
In addition to enforcement of federal and state protected classes, this jurisdiction also includes the following protected classes:
- Gender Identity
- Sexual Orientation
League City Protected Classes
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
This section includes relevant county and city information. Note there could be differences or overlap in the laws’ housing provider obligations.
In addition to enforcement of federal and state protected classes, this jurisdiction also includes the following protected classes:
- Gender Identity6
- Sexual Orientation6
Baytown Protected Classes
(Baytown Municipal Code §§ 46-26 et seq.)
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
Cypress Protected Classes
Cypress is an unincorporated community in Harris County
City of Houston Protected Classes
(City of Houston Code of Ordinances Chapter 17 Article III §§ 17-2; 17-12)
This Jurisdiction lies in both Harris and Montgomery Counties
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
Humble Protected Classes
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
Katy Protected Classes
Katy is in both Harris and Fort Bend counties
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
Kingwood Protected Classes
Kingwood is a planned community within Houston
La Porte Protected Classes
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
Nassau Bay Protected Classes
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
Pasadena Protected Classes
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
Pearland Protected Classes
Pearland is in both Harris and Brazoria Counties
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
Spring Protected Classes
Spring Is a census-designated place within Houston. Houston law applies
The Woodlands Protected Classes
This is a planned Community in Harris and Montgomery counties. The Woodlands voted against incorporation and there is no controlling municipal law
6These protected classes were identified in a local fair housing resource, not statutory code.
This section includes relevant county and city information. Note there could be differences or overlap in the laws’ housing provider obligations.
(Montgomery County Ordinances)
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal and state protected classes
City of Houston Protected Classes
(City of Houston Code of Ordinances Chapter 17 Article III §§ 17-2; 17-12)
This Jurisdiction lies in both Harris and Montgomery counties
Spring Protected Classes
Spring Is a census-designated place within Houston. Houston law applies
The Woodlands Protected Classes
This is a planned Community in Harris and Montgomery counties. The Woodlands voted against incorporation and there is no controlling municipal law
Conroe Protected Classes
(Conroe Municipal Code § 34-33)
In addition to enforcement of federal and state protected classes, this jurisdiction also includes the following protected classes:
- Creed
This section includes relevant county and city information. Note there could be differences or overlap in the laws’ housing provider obligations.
(Walker County Ordinances and Resolutions)
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal and state protected classes
Huntsville Protected Classes
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
This section includes relevant county and city information. Note there could be differences or overlap in the laws’ housing provider obligations.
(Bell County Commissioners Court)
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal and state protected classes
Killeen Protected Classes
(Killeen Municipal Code §§ 14-61 et seq.)
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
Temple Protected Classes
(Temple Municipal Code §§ 14-61 et seq.)
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
This section includes relevant county and city information. Note there could be differences or overlap in the laws’ housing provider obligations.
(Coryell County Commissioners' Court)
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal and state protected classes
Copperas Cove Protected Classes
(Copperas Cove Municipal Code §§ 13-20 et seq.)
In addition to enforcement of federal and state protected classes, this jurisdiction also includes the following protected classes:
- Ancestry
This section includes relevant county and city information. Note there could be differences or overlap in the laws’ housing provider obligations.
(Webb County Commissioners' Court Agenda and Minutes)
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal and state protected classes
Laredo Protected Classes
(Laredo Municipal Code §§ 16-29 et seq.)
In addition to enforcement of federal and state protected classes, this jurisdiction also includes the following protected class:
- Age
This section includes relevant county and city information. Note there could be differences or overlap in the laws’ housing provider obligations.
(Lubbock County Commissioners' Court)
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal and state protected classes
City of Lubbock Protected Classes
(City of Lubbock Municipal Code)
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
This section includes relevant county and city information. Note there could be differences or overlap in the laws’ housing provider obligations.
(Midland County Commissioners' Court Agendas and Minutes)
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal and state protected classes
Midland Protected Classes
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
This section includes relevant county and city information. Note there could be differences or overlap in the laws’ housing provider obligations.
(Ector County Commissioners' Court)
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal and state protected classes
Odessa Protected Classes
(Odessa Municipal Code §§ 1-12-31 et seq.)
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
This section includes relevant county and city information. Note there could be differences or overlap in the laws’ housing provider obligations.
(Bexar County Commissioners' Court)
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal and state protected classes.
Boerne County Protected Classes
(Boerne County Municipal Code)
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
Converse County Protected Classes
(Converse County Municipal Code)
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
Fair Oaks Ranch County Protected Classes
(Fair Oaks Ranch Municipal Code)
This jurisdiction lies in Bexar, Comal, and Kendall Counties
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
Selma County Protected Classes
This jurisdiction lies in Bexar, Comal, and Guadalupe Counties
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
San Antonio Protected Classes
(San Antonio Code of Ordinances Chapter 2 Article X Division 6 §§ 2-621 - 2-633)
In addition to enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes, this jurisdiction also includes the following protected classes:
- Age
- Gender Identity
- Sexual Orientation
- Veteran Status
This section includes relevant county and city information. Note there could be differences or overlap in the laws’ housing provider obligations.
(Comal County Orders and Resolutions)
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal and state protected classes
Fair Oaks Ranch County Protected Classes
(Fair Oaks Ranch Municipal Code)
This jurisdiction lies in Bexar, Comal, and Kendall Counties
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
New Braunfels Protected Classes
(New Braunfels Municipal Code §§ 70-26 et seq.)
In addition to enforcement of federal and state protected classes, this jurisdiction also includes the following protected classes:
- Age
- Creed
- Marital Status
Selma County Protected Classes
This jurisdiction lies in Bexar, Comal, and Guadalupe Counties
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
This section includes relevant county and city information. Note there could be differences or overlap in the laws’ housing provider obligations.
(Guadalupe County Commissioners' Court Agenda and Minutes)
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal and state protected classes
Selma County Protected Classes
This jurisdiction lies in Bexar, Comal, and Guadalupe Counties
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
This section includes relevant county and city information. Note there could be differences or overlap in the laws’ housing provider obligations.
(Kendall County Commissioners' Court Agenda and Minutes)
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal and state protected classes
Fair Oaks Ranch County Protected Classes
(Fair Oaks Ranch Municipal Code)
This jurisdiction lies in Bexar, Comal, and Kendall Counties
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
This section includes relevant county and city information. Note there could be differences or overlap in the laws’ housing provider obligations.
(Bowie County Commissioners' Court)
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal and state protected classes
Texarkana Protected Classes
(Texarkana Municipal Code §§ 16-1 et seq.)
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes
This section includes relevant county and city information. Note there could be differences or overlap in the laws’ housing provider obligations.
(McLennan County Commissioners' Court Agenda and Minutes)
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal and state protected classes
Waco Protected Classes
(Waco Municipal Code §§ 12-106 et seq.)
This jurisdiction emphasizes enforcement of federal, state, and county protected classes