Links
The following links offer additional assistance. For those outside of Austin, similar information may be available from other web resources.
Attorney General of Texas, Office of Consumer Protection
The attorney general protects consumers and the legitimate business community by filing civil lawsuits under the Deceptive Trade Practices Act and other consumer protection statutes. Telephone: 463-2100 or 800-621-0508.
Border Fair Housing and Economic Justice Center
The Border Fair Housing and Economic Justice Center is dedicated to furthering fair housing, equal access to credit, economic justice, the development of decent and affordable housing, and community development, and expanding small business opportunities in the Colonias and communities in the Southwest United States. Telephone: 915-351-2770
City of Austin Code Enforcement
Enforces the standards for rental properties set by the Uniform Housing Code and the Dangerous Building Code. Telephone: 311. File a complaint online.
Dispute Resolution Center
Provides mediation services to anyone involved in a dispute. A nominal fee is requested from both parties. Telephone: 371-0033.
Lawyer Referral Service of Central Texas
Legal services and referrals are available for clients who are ineligible for legal aid. The referral is free. Attorneys will charge a nominal fee for a brief consultation and will charge for their legal services if you decide to hire the attorney. Telephone: 472-8303 or 866-303-8303.
Tenants' Council of Houston
Offers free tenant-landlord counseling by e-mail (counseling@houstontenants.org). Telephone: 713-982-1985.
Texas RioGrande Legal Aid
Free civil legal assistance for low-income residents of South, Central, and West Texas. Telephone: 374-2700; 374-2777; 888-988-9996; or 800-369-9270.
Texas Law Help
Online resource for free and low-cost civil legal assistance in Texas. Learn about your rights, self-help resources for legal problems, and where to find legal aid.
Texas Legislature Online
Has all Texas statutes including the entire Texas Property Code.
Texas Low Income Housing Information Service
Through research, advocacy, education, and policy about low-income housing, TxLIHIS supports low-income Texans’ efforts to achieve the American dream of a decent, affordable home in a quality neighborhood.
Texas Tenants’ Union
Empowers tenants through education and organizing to protect their rights, preserve their homes, improve their living conditions and enhance the quality of life in their communities. The organization offers free weekly tenants’ rights workshops; organizing assistance at the apartment complex level; written information; counseling; training; referral services. Telephone: 214-823-2733.
Travis Central Appraisal District
Williamson Central Appraisal District
Allows users to find who owns a rental property.
Travis County Justices of the Peace
Williamson County Justices of the Peace
Justices of the peace handle both civil and criminal cases, including small claims court, justice court, and administrative hearings. In practical terms, these are lawsuits over debts, evictions, car accidents, unlawful towing, and property.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
HUD’s mission is to increase homeownership, support community development, and increase access to affordable housing free from discrimination.
University of Texas Legal Services for Students
For UT students only. It is located in the Student Services Building, 100 West Dean Keeton Street, Suite 3.410, Austin 78712. Telephone: 471-7796.