Complaint Forms / General Inquiries
Everyone Deserves Fair Treatment
Request Information and Assistance
The City of Austin complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex. The City of Austin does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex.
If you have faced discrimination in work, housing, or public services, Austin Equity and Inclusion’s Civil Rights Division is here to help.
If you would like for someone from the Civil Rights Division to contact you, please fill out our request form. This form collects demographic and contact information.
If you need an interpreter or translation, please contact us by phone at 512-974-3251 or by email at civilrights@austintexas.gov
Request Information - Spanish
Civil Rights and Discrimination Complaint Forms
Use the dropdowns below for descriptions of each civil rights category or ordinance. Forms are available in English and Spanish.
- Language Access
The City of Austin's language access policy requires certain public-facing agencies to offer interpretation services in any language and to translate important documents into at least the top twelve most common non-English languages in the city. If you have had trouble with City of Austin language access services, please complete the Language Access Complaint form.
File a Complaint - Spanish
- Discrimination (Title VI)
The City of Austin, as a recipient of Federal financial assistance and under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes, ensures that no person shall on the grounds of race, income status, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination or retaliation under any federally or non-federally funded City programs or activities administered by the City or its contractors.
- Any person who believes that he or she, individually, or as a member of any specific class has been subject to discrimination may file a complaint. A complaint may also be filed by a representative on behalf of such a person or group
- Title VI complaints must be filed within 180 days of the date of the alleged act of discrimination. Complaints must include the facts and circumstances surrounding the alleged discrimination.
- Complaints can be submitted to TxDOT’s Civil Rights Division by completing the External Discrimination Complaint Form. The complaint form requires detailed information, including signatures.
- TxDOT will determine which agency has jurisdiction to handle the complaint. If TxDOT does not have jurisdiction, the complaint will be routed to the appropriate agency for investigation. If TxDOT does have jurisdiction, the complaint will be investigated, and an attempt will be made to determine the proper course of action.
- The City Manager or their Designee for the city department will be informed of the complaint by copy of the appropriate complaint correspondence or other appropriate means.
- Agencies will request documents and information from the complainant, schedule interviews with relevant parties, and conduct site visits as necessary.
- No person who has filed a complaint, testified, assisted, or participated in any manner in the investigation of a complaint, shall be intimidated, threatened, coerced, or discriminated against in retaliation for such participation.
File a Complaint - Spanish
- Employment
Not all employers are covered by the laws we enforce, and not all employees are protected. This can vary depending on the type of employer, the number of employees it has, and the type of discrimination alleged. Also, there are strict time limits for filing a charge that you should be aware of. Because of this, we strongly urge you to read the following information to help determine your rights and what action you need to take.
- Coverage
Is your employer covered? Are you protected? - Timeliness
How long do you have to file a charge? - Know Your Rights - Workplace Discrimination is Illegal
If you believe you have been discriminated against under non-discrimination laws, please complete the Employment Discrimination form and an Employment Intake Investigator will get in touch with you.
File a Complaint - Spanish
- Coverage
- Housing
Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act), as amended, prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of dwellings, and in other housing-related transactions, because of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), familial status, national origin, and disability. It also requires that all federal programs relating to housing and urban development be administered in a manner that affirmatively furthers fair housing.
In February 2016, Austin City Council adopted Chapter 2-14 which allows City staff to modify a City of Austin requirement (related to residential property) for a person with a disability and outlines a process for how to request reasonable accommodations.
As a Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP), the Civil Rights Division also accepts complaints of discrimination based on: creed, student status, marital status, age, or source of income under City of Austin Ordinance.
Learn more about Fair Housing by visiting the the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development site.
File a Complaint - Spanish
- Tenant's Right to Organize
§ 4-14-121 of the City’s Municipal Code of Ordinances, purpose of this article is to grant a right to a tenant to establish or participate in a tenant organization. A landlord may not intentionally interfere or allow another to interfere with a tenant's right to exercise the activities defined in Section 4-14-124 (Right Established).
- Public Accommodations
Under TITLE 5. - CIVIL RIGHTS. | Code of Ordinances a person is entitled to the full and equal enjoyment of the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, and accommodations of a public accommodation, without discrimination or segregation based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protective hairstyle, reproductive health action, or disability. Public accommodations are privately-owned spaces that serve and are open to the general public, including restaurants, hotels, gas stations, and places of exhibition or entertainment (such as a bar with live music, a sports stadium, or a movie theater). Title II does not cover all businesses open to the public, such as places that require membership, private clubs, or government agencies.
- Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
In accordance with the requirements of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), the City of Austin will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities on the basis of disability in its services, programs, or activities. Upon request, the City of Austin will provide appropriate aids and services leading to effective communication for qualified persons with disabilities so they can participate equally in City of Austin programs, services, and activities. Additionally, reasonable modifications to City of Austin policies and programs will be made to ensure that people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to enjoy all of its programs, services, and activities.
Learn more about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
- Rental Fee Transparency Ordinance I - Applies on or after October 1, 2026
Chapter 4-14, Article 4. Fee Disclosure
Under this ordinance landlords are required to disclose all additional fees outside of the cost of rent during the leasing process before a tenant signs the lease. The ordinance also establishes standards for disclosing rental fees to potential tenants, including a disclosure form and required advertisement of fixed, recurring fees.
There are two separate dates on which the ordinance will go into effect:
- October 1, 2026: This ordinance applies on and after October 1, 2026, to a person who rents, leases, or manages 50 or more dwellings that are used as a residence.
- January 1, 2027: This ordinance applies on and after January 1, 2027, to a person who rents, leases, or manages:
- Less than 50 dwellings that are used as a resident or
- Spaces for mobile home or recreational vehicles that are used as a residence.
Use this form to report a possible violation of the City of Austin Rental Fee Disclosure Fee Ordinance. A tenant, prospective tenant, or other person who believes a property owner or landlord has violated the Rental Fee Disclosure Ordinance may file a complaint.
Form available in English and Spanish on October 1, 2026.
Rental Fee Transparency - Frequently Asked Questions
- Understanding the Ordinance
Question: When does the ordinance take effect?
Answer: Providers with 50 or more dwellings must comply beginning October 1, 2026. Providers with fewer than 50 dwellings, and providers of mobile home or RV spaces, must comply beginning January 1, 2027.
Question: Who must comply with this ordinance?
Answer: The ordinance applies to any person who leases, rents, or manages either five or more dwellings owned by one person, or (2) spaces for mobile homes or recreational vehicles used as residences.
Question: The ordinance language says that it applies to “a person” and dwellings or spaces that are owned by “one person.” Does it also apply to businesses?
Answer: Under Austin City Code § 1‑1‑2 (General Definitions), “Person includes an individual, corporation, organization, government or governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, association, and any other legal entity, but does not include the City.” So, when the ordinance says it applies to “a person” or spaces owned by “one person,” that definition explicitly includes businesses (e.g. corporations, trusts, partnerships, associations) unless the City itself is the entity.
Question: How should property owners and managers advertise concessions?
Answer: If an advertisement only highlights concessions or incentives (such as “first month free” or “$500 off move-in”) without mentioning a rent amount, the disclosure requirement does not apply. Once you include a rent figure that triggers the requirement to also list any mandatory recurring fixed fees alongside it in the advertisement.
Example: Advertising rent with a concession (fee disclosure required)
$1,800/month — includes $500 off move-in!
Base rent: $1,800/month
Mandatory monthly fees:
• $75 trash/recycling fee
• $30 amenity fee
• $15 technology fee
Total monthly cost: $1,920
- Implementation Questions
Question: Which City department will be implementing and enforcing this new ordinance?
Answer: Rental Fee Transparency Ordinance will be enforced by the Civil Rights Division within Austin Equity and Inclusion.
Question: How can I access the City of Austin standard disclosure form?
Answer: The City of Austin, Standard Disclosure Form can be accessed by clicking here.
Question: How do I file a complaint?
Answer: Anyone who wishes to file a complaint can visit our website, come to our office in person, or call us directly to speak with an investigator. Our team is available to answer questions, provide guidance on the complaint process, and ensure you understand your rights and options. Whether you prefer online access, face‑to‑face support, or a direct phone conversation, we are committed to making the process accessible and responsive to your needs.
Question: What is the process once I’ve filed a complaint?
Answer: Austin Equity and Inclusion will oversee the full enforcement process. Here’s how it works:
1. Intake & Confirmation
Your complaint is received, logged, and you get a confirmation notice.2. Preliminary Review
We check whether the issue falls under our authority and determine the appropriate next steps.3. Investigation
An investigator gathers information, interviews the people involved, and reviews documents or evidence.4. Findings & Decision
We review the investigation results and issue a formal determination.5. Resolution & Follow‑Up
If a violation is found, enforcement does not begin right away. During that time, we’ll inform you of the findings and guide you on what to do next.
Question: Will I receive any compensation for paying undisclosed fees?
Answer: The ordinance allows the City to issue penalties to the housing provider, but it does not provide compensation to tenants. This is standard across City of Austin codes. For example, if a property owner violates minimum housing standards, the City can issue citations or orders to correct the violation, but it does not reimburse tenants for any inconvenience or cost they experienced. The goal of code enforcement is to bring the provider into compliance, not to reimburse individuals for harm or inconvenience.
Question: For properties that require residents to obtain renter’s insurance, but also offer residents the option to obtain coverage through the property, would that be considered an optional fee? If the resident chooses third party renter’s insurance and that policy lapses, and the property then automatically places the resident on the property provided renter’s insurance, how should that be disclosed?
Answer: This would fit as an optional fee. Similar to pet and parking fees, it is optional if you meet a certain condition.
Question: If a property discloses all fees on its website and in advertising, is it still required to disclose the fees again before a resident applies or before the cost of renting is discussed?
Answer: If the property discloses all fees on its website and all its advertisements in a manner consistent with the disclosure form (clearly showing mandatory, optional, and estimated variable fees). If this information is clearly hyperlinked or otherwise accessible before a prospective tenant applies, that is acceptable disclosure. If discussing the cost of rent with a prospective tenant before they apply, then making sure that they are aware of and able to access the information on the website and/or advertisements is acceptable disclosure.
Question: Are utilities that residents are required to set up themselves required to be disclosed as a variable fee with a range? Or would it be compliant to disclose that residents are required to set up their own utility accounts with the utility provider and pay the utility provider directly?
Answer: Providers should disclose these utilities as variable fees with ranges.
Question: Will property management companies be required to disclose the mandatory fees included on their Austin Energy bill, including community benefit charges, transportation user fees, and clean community fees?
Answer: Disclosing the Austin Energy (or other electric utility if the property is under another service provider in the City of Austin) bill as one line item is perfectly fine. Providers should disclose these utilities as variable fees with ranges.
Question: If a property allows residents to rent common area spaces, such as a clubhouse, will that fee need to be disclosed as an optional fee?
Answer: Yes, if a common area/amenity is only available when residents pay a fee, that should be disclosed as an optional fee.
Question: For prospective residents who apply for housing through third-party advertising platforms, such as Zillow, Apartments.com, or another platform that does not require them to directly interface with the property, is disclosure on that third party platform considered compliant? Or would those third-party platforms need to include an additional disclosure when a prospect attempts to apply?
Answer: A prospective tenant must receive a written disclosure (electronic or physical) of total costs before they submit an application or make any payment. If they apply through a third-party site like Zillow, the best option may be to provide a link to the full disclosure form.
Question: The TAA lease uses names for some fees that differ from the standard disclosure form. For example, the TAA lease refers to “animal rent” rather than “pet rent.” For properties using the City of Austin Standard Disclosure Form, will it still be considered compliant if the fee names do not directly match the lease language?
Answer: Yes, it will be considered compliant if the fees match between the documents, but they have different names.