Tex. Prop. Code Ann. §§ 301.001–301.171 § 301.081
COMPLAINT.
Operative Text
Sec. 301.081. COMPLAINT. (a) The commission shall investigate complaints of alleged discriminatory housing practices.(b) A complaint must be:(1) in writing;(2) under oath; and(3) in the form prescribed by the commission.(c) An aggrieved person may file a complaint with the commission alleging the discriminatory housing practice. The commission may file a complaint.(d) A complaint must be filed on or before the first anniversary of the date the alleged discriminatory housing practice occurs or terminates, whichever is later.(e) A complaint may be amended at any time.(f) On the filing of a complaint, the commission shall:(1) give the aggrieved person notice that the complaint has been received;(2) advise the aggrieved person of the time limits and choice of forums under this chapter; and(3) not later than the 20th day after the date of the filing of the complaint or the identification of an additional or substitute respondent under Section 301.084, serve on each respondent:(A) a notice identifying the alleged discriminatory housing practice and advising the respondent of the procedural rights and obligations of a respondent under this chapter; and(B) a copy of the original complaint. Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 40, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Section 301.081 of the Texas Property Code establishes the formal process for filing a housing discrimination complaint with the Texas Workforce Commission (or its designated civil rights division). A complaint must be submitted in writing, under oath, and on the commission's prescribed form, and it must be filed within one year of the date the alleged discriminatory practice occurred or ended. Once a complaint is filed, the commission is required to notify the complainant, inform them of applicable time limits and available forums, and serve the respondent with notice of the alleged practice and a copy of the complaint within 20 days.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 301.081, a property owner or manager named as a respondent in a housing discrimination complaint is entitled to formal written notice from the commission within 20 days of the complaint being filed, along with a copy of the original complaint and an explanation of their procedural rights and obligations. Operators who receive such notice generally review the allegations carefully and maintain thorough records of their rental policies, communications, and decisions. Understanding the procedural framework outlined in § 301.081 helps property managers respond appropriately within the timelines the commission sets.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 301.081 gives aggrieved persons the right to file a written, sworn housing discrimination complaint with the commission, provided it is submitted no later than one year after the discriminatory practice occurred or ended. After filing under § 301.081, a tenant is entitled to receive confirmation that the complaint was received, along with information about time limits and the choice of forums available under the chapter. Tenants who believe they have experienced discriminatory housing practices may also consult a tenant-rights organization or fair housing agency to better understand the complaint process and the options available to them.
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.
Effective Timeline
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Rules and statutes that cite this regulation