Resources & Support

Tenant Resources

Legal aid organizations, hotlines, and helpful information to protect your rights as a Dallas tenant.

Need Immediate Help?

Call these hotlines for urgent tenant assistance

211Texas Helpline (888) 529-5277Legal Aid Line (855) 548-8457Eviction Defense

Dallas Area

Local Tenant Organizations

Organizations serving Dallas County tenants with free legal help, workshops, and advocacy.

Texas Tenants' Union

40+ Years

Nonprofit organization providing free tenants' rights workshops, organizing assistance, training, and referrals. Workshops cover leases, eviction, deposits, and repairs.

(214) 823-2733

8035 E R L Thornton Fwy, Suite 535, Dallas, TX 75226

Workshops: 2nd or 3rd Monday at 6:30 PM (online)

Dallas Eviction Advocacy Center (DEAC)

Pro bono legal advice and representation for Dallas County tenants facing eviction. Serves all tenants regardless of income, race, immigration status, or native language.

Specializes in eviction defense

Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas

Free legal services for low-income tenants. The Dallas office is their largest branch, handling landlord/tenant matters, public benefits, and real property issues.

Legal Aid Line: (888) 529-5277

Eviction Defense: (855) 548-8457

Walk-in clinics: Thursdays 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program (DVAP)

Free legal assistance for qualifying Dallas residents. Hosts legal advice clinics throughout the Dallas area for housing, landlord-tenant, and other civil matters.

Dallas Bar Association LegalLine: Wednesdays 4-8 PM (register online by Tuesday noon)

Home Point (Housing Crisis Center)

Homeless prevention, rapid rehousing, tenant legal workshops, and emergency rental/utility assistance for Dallas residents.

(214) 828-4244

Discrimination Help

Fair Housing Resources

If you believe you've experienced housing discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or familial status.

City of Dallas Fair Housing Office

Investigates housing discrimination complaints and provides education on fair housing rights within Dallas.

General: (214) 670-5677

Report Violations: 214-670-FAIR (3247)

1500 Marilla Street, Room 1B North, Dallas, TX 75201

HUD Fair Housing (Federal)

File federal Fair Housing Act violation complaints. You have one year after an alleged violation to file.

National Hotline: 1-800-669-9777

Fort Worth Regional: (817) 978-5900

Texas Workforce Commission Civil Rights Division

State agency responsible for enforcing the Fair Housing Act in Texas.

(888) 452-4778or(512) 463-2642

City Services

Report Code Violations

Report unsafe conditions, code violations, and building issues to the City of Dallas.

Dallas 311

Report code violations, unsafe conditions, and city service issues.

311within Dallas

(214) 671-4431 outside Dallas

Code Compliance

File complaints about building violations, health hazards, and property maintenance.

File Online

Financial Help

Emergency Rental Assistance

Organizations that can help with rent, utilities, and emergency housing needs.

Urban League of Greater Dallas

Counseling for tenants facing eviction, referrals to rent assistance funds and grants.

(214) 915-4600

White Rock Center of Hope

Housing support and rent assistance to help Dallas families avoid eviction and maintain utilities.

(214) 324-8996

North Dallas Shared Ministries

Assistance with security deposits and emergency rental expenses.

(214) 358-8700

Legal Framework

Texas Property Code - Key Sections

Important legal protections for Texas tenants you should know.

§92.331 - Retaliation Protection

Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants who complain about repairs, join tenant organizations, or exercise their legal rights. Protection lasts 6 months from the date of complaint.

Remedy: One month's rent + $500, actual damages, court costs, and attorney's fees.

Read Full Text

§92.052-061 - Right to Repairs

Landlords must make repairs affecting health and safety. 7 days is presumed reasonable response time. Tenants can terminate lease, repair-and-deduct, or seek court orders for repairs up to $10,000.

Learn More

§92.101-110 - Security Deposits

Landlords must return deposits within 30 days. Cannot deduct for normal wear and tear. Must provide itemized list of deductions. These rights cannot be waived in a lease.

Learn More

§92.008 - Utility Cutoffs Prohibited

Landlords cannot interrupt water, gas, or electric service to force a tenant out. Only allowed for bona fide repairs, construction, or emergencies.

Read Full Code

More Help

Additional Resources

Texas Attorney General

Official renters' rights information

Texas State Law Library

Comprehensive landlord/tenant guides

Texas Tenant Advisor

Plain-language tenant rights info

Texas Law Help

Free legal information for Texans

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