Being a landlord in Texas comes with significant opportunity—and serious responsibility. One of the most important responsibilities is staying compliant with Fair Housing laws, which are designed to prevent discrimination and ensure everyone has equal access to housing.
At Gomez Property Management, we help property owners navigate the complexities of these laws with confidence. Whether you own a single-family rental or a multi-unit property, understanding the basics of Texas and federal fair housing regulations can protect your investment, reduce legal risk, and create a professional, ethical rental experience for all parties involved.
Here’s what every landlord should know.
What Is the Fair Housing Act?
The Fair Housing Act, passed in 1968 and enforced by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), prohibits housing discrimination based on seven protected classes:
- Race
- Color
- National origin
- Religion
- Sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation)
- Familial status (e.g., families with children)
- Disability
This federal law applies to nearly all types of housing and housing providers—including private landlords, property managers, and real estate agents. In addition, the Texas Fair Housing Act mirrors the federal law and is enforced by the Texas Workforce Commission Civil Rights Division.
Who Must Follow These Laws?
Almost all landlords and property owners in Texas must comply with fair housing laws. There are a few narrow exemptions, such as if you own and live in a single-family home and rent out a unit within it. However, as a general rule, if you advertise rentals, collect applications, screen tenants, or make leasing decisions, you are expected to follow Fair Housing rules—no matter the size of your operation.
If you work with a professional property manager like Gomez Property Management, it’s also your responsibility to ensure they are fair housing compliant. Fortunately, we are.
Common Violations to Avoid
Sometimes landlords violate fair housing laws without realizing it. Discrimination can occur through actions, policies, or even unintentional language in your advertising or screening practices.
Here are a few common violations to be aware of:
- Advertising language that excludes certain groups (e.g., “no kids” or “perfect for singles only”)
- Steering tenants toward or away from a property based on race or background
- Different screening standards for different applicants (such as being stricter with one ethnicity)
- Refusing to rent to someone with a disability or failing to provide reasonable accommodations
- Applying occupancy limits unfairly to families with children
- Asking illegal questions on rental applications or during interviews (e.g., “Are you married?” or “What church do you go to?”)
Even small infractions—like the wording in an online ad—can trigger a complaint or investigation. It’s always best to review your materials and policies carefully or work with a property manager who already does.
Disability Accommodations and Modifications
One of the most misunderstood areas of fair housing law is how it applies to tenants with disabilities. Under both federal and Texas laws, landlords must:
- Make reasonable accommodations in policies or practices when necessary for a person with a disability to use the property (e.g., allowing a service animal even if there’s a no-pets policy)
- Allow reasonable modifications to the rental unit (e.g., grab bars in the bathroom or ramps) at the tenant’s expense if required for accessibility
You are not required to lower your standards or accept unsafe conditions, but you must work in good faith to accommodate disabled applicants and tenants.
Fair Housing and Criminal Background Checks
Screening tenants for criminal history is legal, but it must be done consistently and carefully. Blanket bans like “no felons allowed” may violate fair housing laws if they disproportionately impact certain racial or ethnic groups.
HUD recommends that landlords:
- Consider only recent convictions that are relevant to the safety of the property
- Avoid using arrests without conviction as a disqualifier
- Apply the same standards across all applicants
At Gomez Property Management, we use a balanced, legal approach to tenant screening that includes credit, rental history, income, and—when appropriate—criminal background, always in compliance with fair housing law.
How Gomez Property Management Protects Property Owners
We know that keeping up with fair housing rules can feel overwhelming, especially for property owners managing multiple tenants or out-of-state investments. That’s why we stay current on all federal and state housing laws and integrate compliance into every part of our process—from advertising to applications, lease agreements, and tenant communications.
Here’s how we help:
- Standardized screening procedures that treat every applicant equally
- ADA and accommodation training for our team
- Clear, legal lease agreements that reflect fair housing best practices
- Ongoing education and policy reviews to ensure compliance with state and federal updates
When you partner with Gomez Property Management, you get more than just tenant oversight—you gain peace of mind knowing your rental business is operating ethically and within the law.
Final Thoughts
Fair housing compliance isn’t just a legal obligation—it’s part of building a sustainable, respectful, and profitable rental business. Violations can lead to fines, lawsuits, and reputational damage that’s hard to undo. But with the right knowledge and professional support, you can confidently manage your rental property the right way.
Have questions about your rental policies or need help staying compliant? Contact Gomez Property Management today. We’ll help you protect your investment while making sure your property is a place where all tenants are treated fairly and respectfully.