The one thing your landlord is hoping you never find out is this: in Texas, your strongest leverage usually starts with written notice to the landlord, not just a phone complaint to the city.

Before you know that, it is easy to make a call, get an inspection started, and still have trouble proving the landlord was properly notified. That matters under Texas Property Code Chapter 92, because repair rights and some remedies usually depend on the landlord getting notice of a condition that materially affects health or safety.

So the smarter path is usually landlord first in writing, then Dallas Code Compliance fast if they stall or the danger is immediate.

If the apartment was built before 1978, lead paint is a real issue. Landlords also had federal duties at move-in to give a lead warning disclosure and an EPA pamphlet. If they never did, that is another red flag.

What changes once you know this:

• You send a dated written notice describing the peeling or chipping paint, dust, or a child's exposure symptoms.
• You keep copies, photos, and any text messages.
• If there is a child under 6 or a pregnant tenant in the home, you do not wait around. Call Dallas 311 and ask for Code Compliance.
• If a child may have been exposed, ask the child's doctor for a blood lead test right away.

After that, your position is stronger. You now have a paper trail for repairs, possible retaliation claims, and lease remedies. In Dallas, a code complaint can create an inspection record, but your written notice is what helps lock in rights against the landlord.

A landlord cannot legally use your fear about papers or immigration status as a pressure tool. Housing code complaints are about unsafe property conditions, and retaliation after a good-faith repair request can violate Texas law.