Tex. Prop. Code Ann. §§ 301.001–301.171 § 301.021
SALE OR RENTAL.
Operative Text
Sec. 301.021. SALE OR RENTAL. (a) A person may not refuse to sell or rent, after the making of a bona fide offer, refuse to negotiate for the sale or rental of, or in any other manner make unavailable or deny a dwelling to another because of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, or national origin.(b) A person may not discriminate against another in the terms, conditions, or privileges of sale or rental of a dwelling or in providing services or facilities in connection with a sale or rental of a dwelling because of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, or national origin.(c) This section does not prohibit discrimination against a person because the person has been convicted under federal law or the law of any state of the illegal manufacture or distribution of a controlled substance. Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 40, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Section 301.021 of the Texas Property Code prohibits any person involved in housing transactions from refusing to sell or rent a dwelling, declining to negotiate, or otherwise making housing unavailable based on race, color, religion, sex, familial status, or national origin. The rule also bars discriminatory treatment in the terms, conditions, or privileges of a sale or rental, as well as in the delivery of related services or facilities. Notably, § 301.021(c) carves out an exception: the anti-discrimination protections do not extend to individuals who have been convicted under federal or state law for the illegal manufacture or distribution of a controlled substance.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 301.021, property owners and managers are generally expected to apply consistent, neutral criteria when evaluating offers, setting lease terms, and delivering services to all prospective and current residents, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, or national origin. Compliant operators typically document their screening standards uniformly and ensure that advertised terms, maintenance responses, and amenity access are provided on an equal basis. The controlled-substance conviction exception in § 301.021(c) is narrow and does not serve as a broad basis for differential treatment.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 301.021 gives housing seekers and renters in Texas the right to be free from discrimination in the sale or rental of a dwelling based on race, color, religion, sex, familial status, or national origin. If a person believes a landlord or seller has violated § 301.021—whether by refusing to negotiate, imposing different lease terms, or withholding services—general enforcement paths include filing a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or consulting a tenant-rights organization familiar with the Texas Fair Housing Act. Individuals navigating a potential violation may also explore remedies available through the Texas Workforce Commission Civil Rights Division or the federal court system.
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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