Town’s rent law remains blocked

The town of Farmers Branch may not begin enforcing its voter-endorsed law barring the rental of apartments to illegal immigrants, a federal judge ruled.

U.S. District Judge Sam A. Lindsay extended his temporary restraining order blocking the law until June 19, when he plans another ruling on whether the measure can be enforced while it is subject to legal challenges.

The ordinance requires managers to verify that renters are U.S. citizens or legal immigrants before leasing to them. Violators face fines of up to $500, and each day would be considered a separate violation.