Tex. Prop. Code Ann. §§ 301.001–301.171 § 301.088
REASONABLE CAUSE DETERMINATION.
Operative Text
Sec. 301.088. REASONABLE CAUSE DETERMINATION. (a) The commission shall determine from the facts whether reasonable cause exists to believe that a discriminatory housing practice has occurred or is about to occur.(b) The commission shall make the determination under Subsection (a) not later than the 100th day after the date a complaint is filed unless:(1) making the determination is impracticable; or(2) the commission approves a conciliation agreement relating to the complaint.(c) If within the period provided by Subsection (b) making the determination is impracticable, the commission shall give in writing to the complainant and the respondent the reasons for the delay.(d) If the commission determines that reasonable cause exists to believe that a discriminatory housing practice has occurred or is about to occur, the commission shall, except as provided by Section 301.090, immediately issue a charge on behalf of the aggrieved person. Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 40, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Under Texas Property Code § 301.088, the Texas commission responsible for fair housing matters must review the facts of a filed housing discrimination complaint and decide whether reasonable cause exists to believe a discriminatory housing practice has occurred or is about to occur. This determination must generally be made within 100 days of the complaint being filed, though delays are permitted if the process becomes impracticable or a conciliation agreement is reached. If the commission finds reasonable cause, it is required to issue a formal charge on behalf of the person who was harmed.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to a fair housing complaint should be aware that under § 301.088, the commission is working within a defined 100-day window to assess whether reasonable cause exists for a discrimination finding. A compliant operator typically cooperates with any commission inquiry during this period and may participate in conciliation discussions, which can result in an agreement that resolves the matter before a charge is issued. If a charge is ultimately issued under this provision, it signals that the commission has found sufficient factual basis to proceed formally.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
If you have filed a housing discrimination complaint in Texas, § 301.088 establishes that the commission must generally reach a reasonable cause determination within 100 days of your filing date. If that deadline cannot be met, the commission is required to notify both you and the respondent in writing explaining the reason for the delay. Should the commission find reasonable cause, it must issue a formal charge on your behalf, which is a significant step in the enforcement process — tenant-rights organizations or legal aid resources can help you understand what that means for your situation.
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