Tex. Prop. Code Ann. §§ 94.001–94.303 § 94.254
TENANT REMEDIES.
Operative Text
Sec. 94.254. TENANT REMEDIES. In addition to other remedies provided by law, if a landlord retaliates against a tenant under this subchapter, the tenant may recover from the landlord a civil penalty of one month's rent plus $500, actual damages, court costs, and reasonable attorney's fees in an action for recovery of property damages, moving costs, actual expenses, civil penalties, or declaratory or injunctive relief, less any delinquent rents or other sums for which the tenant is liable to the landlord. If the tenant's rent payment to the landlord is subsidized in whole or in part by a governmental entity, the civil penalty granted under this section shall reflect the fair market rent of the leased premises plus $500. Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 801, Sec. 1, eff. April 1, 2002.
Section 94.254 of the Texas Property Code establishes remedies available to manufactured-home community tenants when a landlord engages in prohibited retaliation. A tenant who prevails on a retaliation claim may recover a civil penalty equal to one month's rent (or fair market rent if the tenancy is government-subsidized) plus $500, along with actual damages, court costs, and reasonable attorney's fees. Any amounts the tenant owes the landlord—such as unpaid rent—are subtracted from the total recovery.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 94.254, landlords who are found to have retaliated against a tenant face significant financial exposure, including a statutory civil penalty, the tenant's actual damages, and the tenant's attorney's fees. Compliant operators generally avoid taking adverse actions—such as rent increases, eviction notices, or service reductions—in response to a tenant exercising a legal right, and they document the legitimate, non-retaliatory business reasons behind any such actions. Maintaining clear records of lease enforcement decisions helps demonstrate that actions were taken in good faith and not in response to protected tenant activity.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 94.254 gives tenants in manufactured-home communities a private right of action when a landlord retaliates against them for exercising rights protected under this subchapter. If retaliation is established, recoverable amounts can include a civil penalty, actual damages, moving costs, and reasonable attorney's fees, reduced by any rent or other sums owed to the landlord. Tenants who believe they have experienced retaliation may consider consulting a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider to understand the range of enforcement paths available, including filing a civil action in court.
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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