Tex. Prop. Code Ann. §§ 301.001–301.171 § 301.084
ADDITIONAL OR SUBSTITUTE RESPONDENT.
Operative Text
Sec. 301.084. ADDITIONAL OR SUBSTITUTE RESPONDENT. (a) The commission may join a person not named in the complaint as an additional or substitute respondent if during the investigation the commission determines that the person should be accused of a discriminatory housing practice.(b) In addition to the information required in the notice under Section 301.081(f), the commission shall include in a notice to a respondent joined under this section the reasons for the determination that the person is properly joined as a respondent. Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 40, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Under Texas Property Code § 301.084, the Texas Commission on Human Rights (or its successor agency) has the authority to add or substitute parties as respondents in a fair housing complaint investigation. If the investigation reveals that a person or entity not originally named in the complaint may have engaged in a discriminatory housing practice, the commission can bring that party into the proceeding. Any newly joined respondent must receive a notice that explains both the standard complaint information and the specific reasons why they were added to the case.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners, managers, and their agents should be aware that under § 301.084, a fair housing investigation can expand beyond the individuals or entities originally named in a complaint. A compliant operator generally ensures that all staff and representatives involved in housing transactions are trained on fair housing obligations, since the commission may add any party found to have participated in a discriminatory practice. Maintaining clear records of all housing-related decisions and communications is a practice commonly associated with operators who can demonstrate compliance if they are joined as a respondent.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 301.084, tenants who file a fair housing complaint should know that the investigation is not limited to the parties they originally named — the commission can add or substitute respondents if the investigation uncovers other individuals or entities involved in the alleged discriminatory practice. This means that a management company, property owner, or agent discovered during the investigation may be brought into the case even if they were not initially identified. Tenants seeking to understand their rights under this provision may find it helpful to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid office familiar with Texas fair housing law.
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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