Tex. Loc. Gov't Code Ann. § 250.007 § 250.007
REGULATION OF RENTAL OR LEASING OF HOUSING ACCOMMODATIONS.
Operative Text
Sec. 250.007. REGULATION OF RENTAL OR LEASING OF HOUSING ACCOMMODATIONS. (a) 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. Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1140 (S.B. 267), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2015.Amended by: Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 324 (S.B. 1488), Sec. 12.002, eff. September 1, 2017.
Texas Local Government Code § 250.007 limits the ability of cities and counties to require landlords to accept federal housing assistance (such as Section 8 vouchers) as a form of rent payment. Under this provision, local governments generally cannot pass or enforce ordinances that would prohibit a landlord from declining to rent to someone solely because that person's income includes federal housing program funds. Two exceptions exist: local governments retain authority to protect military veterans from source-of-income discrimination, and they may still create voluntary incentive programs—such as density bonuses or contract commitments—to encourage landlord participation in federal voucher programs.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Tex. Loc. Gov't Code § 250.007, Texas property owners and managers should be aware that, as a general matter, no city or county ordinance can compel them to accept federal housing vouchers as a condition of renting. Compliant operators in Texas typically make leasing decisions based on criteria permitted under state and federal law, keeping in mind that separate federal fair housing protections still apply regardless of this provision. Operators who voluntarily participate in local incentive programs designed to encourage voucher acceptance—such as density bonuses or contract commitments—do so under the voluntary-program carve-out preserved by § 250.007(c).
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tex. Loc. Gov't Code § 250.007 means that, in most Texas cities and counties, local governments are not authorized to require landlords to accept federal housing vouchers, which can limit housing options for voucher holders. However, if you are a military veteran, § 250.007(b) preserves local authority to protect you from source-of-income discrimination based on your veteran status. Tenants who believe their rights under federal fair housing law or other applicable protections have been violated may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or contact the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to explore available options.
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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