Tex. Prop. Code Ann. §§ 301.001–301.171 § 301.132
PATTERN OR PRACTICE CASE.
Operative Text
Sec. 301.132. PATTERN OR PRACTICE CASE. (a) On the request of the commission, the attorney general may file a civil action in district court for appropriate relief if the commission has reasonable cause to believe that:(1) a person is engaged in a pattern or practice of resistance to the full enjoyment of a right granted under this chapter; or(2) a person has been denied a right granted by this chapter and that denial raises an issue of general public importance.(b) In an action under this section the court may:(1) award preventive relief, including a permanent or temporary injunction, restraining order, or other order against the person responsible for a violation of this chapter as necessary to assure the full enjoyment of the rights granted by this chapter;(2) award other appropriate relief, including monetary damages, reasonable attorney fees, and court costs; and(3) to vindicate the public interest, assess a civil penalty against the respondent in an amount that does not exceed:(A) $50,000 for a first violation; and(B) $100,000 for a second or subsequent violation.(c) A person may intervene in an action under this section if the person is:(1) a person aggrieved by the discriminatory housing practice; or(2) a party to a conciliation agreement concerning the discriminatory housing practice. Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 40, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Section 301.132 of the Texas Property Code authorizes the state attorney general, at the request of the Texas Commission, to bring a civil lawsuit in district court when there is reasonable cause to believe someone is systematically violating fair housing rights or when a denial of those rights raises a matter of broad public concern. Courts handling such cases can issue injunctions, award monetary damages, attorney fees, and court costs. Courts may also impose civil penalties up to $50,000 for a first violation and up to $100,000 for any subsequent violation to vindicate the public interest.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 301.132, housing operators whose conduct suggests a repeated pattern of fair housing violations—rather than an isolated incident—may face attorney general enforcement action initiated by the Commission. A compliant operator maintains consistent, documented non-discriminatory policies and practices across all properties and transactions to avoid triggering the 'pattern or practice' threshold. Because civil penalties under this section can reach $100,000 for repeat violations, operators generally conduct periodic internal reviews to ensure their leasing, marketing, and management practices align with the rights guaranteed by Chapter 301.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 301.132 provides a public-interest enforcement mechanism: if the Texas Commission finds reasonable cause that a housing provider is engaged in a pattern of discrimination or that a rights denial affects the broader public, it can request the attorney general to sue on behalf of affected individuals. Tenants who believe they have experienced discriminatory housing practices may file a complaint with the Texas Commission, which can trigger this type of enforcement action. Individuals who have been harmed by the discriminatory practice, or who are party to a related conciliation agreement, are also permitted to intervene directly in any lawsuit filed under § 301.132, and consulting a tenant-rights organization can help clarify 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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