Law & License

    Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA)

    The Texas consumer-protection statute that gives a consumer remedies for false, misleading, or deceptive acts, including in real estate.

    The Texas Deceptive Trade Practices-Consumer Protection Act, the DTPA, protects consumers against false, misleading, or deceptive business acts and practices. A consumer who is harmed may sue for economic damages, and for additional damages where the conduct was committed knowingly or intentionally, plus attorney's fees.

    The DTPA matters to license holders because misrepresenting or failing to disclose a known material defect can give rise to a DTPA claim, in addition to TREC discipline.

    On the exam

    The DTPA gives consumers remedies for deceptive acts, including misrepresentation or non-disclosure by a license holder. Knowing conduct can increase the damages.

    Exam trap

    A DTPA claim is a civil consumer remedy, separate from and in addition to any TREC disciplinary action for the same conduct.

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    This definition is Texas real estate exam-prep education, not legal, tax, or professional advice. Verify current rules against the official source before relying on them for a real transaction. Back to the full glossary.