Discrimination

DISCRIMINATION:

  "Fair Housing" (anti-discrimination) laws prohibit a landlord from discriminating against you based on your race, color, national origin, religion, sex, family status, or disability.  No one may take any of the following actions based on your race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status or disability:

1. Refuse to rent you housing;

2. Refuse to negotiate for housing;

3. Make housing unavailable;

4. Set different terms, conditions, or privileges for rental of a dwelling;

5. Provide different housing services or facilities;

6. Falsely deny that housing is available for inspection or rental;

7. Deny anyone access to or membership in a facility or service(such as a multiple listing service) related to rental of  housing; and

8. Threaten, coerce, intimidate or interfere with anyone exercising a fair housing right.

   It's also illegal to advertise or make any statement  that indicates a limitation or preference based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. 

  If you believe that your rights have been violated because of your race, color, religion, sex, disability, having children, or national origin, you should contact the Fair Housing office in the city where you live or the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) office in your area.  You can also call HUD's national number for discrimination complaints at 1-800-669-9777 or visit HUD's website at www.hud.gov .

  Go to www.texasbar.com to find out more information under the Tenants' Rights Handbook