Texas Rental Application Overview
Texas is one of the most landlord-friendly states for rental screening. No fee caps, no source of income protections (except locally in Austin), no criminal history restrictions at the state level, and landlords have broad discretion in setting screening criteria.
Texas does not impose any cap on rental application fees. Texas Property Code allows landlords to charge application fees and requires that they be used only for screening costs. In competitive markets like Austin, Dallas, and Houston, fees frequently run $50 to $100 or more per applicant. Under Texas Property Code Section 92.3515, landlords must refund the application deposit (if one is charged separately from the fee) if the applicant is rejected, but the non-refundable application fee does not need to be refunded.
No state cap
Max application fee
Yes, with written co
Credit check
No statewide restric
Criminal bg check
3x monthly rent (typ
Income requirement
Texas Tenant Screening Laws
Application Fee Rules
Texas does not impose any cap on rental application fees. Texas Property Code allows landlords to charge application fees and requires that they be used only for screening costs. In competitive markets like Austin, Dallas, and Houston, fees frequently run $50 to $100 or more per applicant. Under Texas Property Code Section 92.3515, landlords must refund the application deposit (if one is charged separately from the fee) if the applicant is rejected, but the non-refundable application fee does not need to be refunded.
Criminal Background Check Rules
Texas has no statewide ban-the-box law for housing. Landlords can freely ask about and consider criminal history. The City of Austin passed a fair chance housing ordinance but its enforcement has faced legal challenges.
Credit Check Requirements
Texas landlords can run credit checks with written consent per the FCRA. No additional state restrictions. Texas landlords commonly set a minimum credit score in their screening criteria.
Fair Housing Protections
The Texas Fair Housing Act mirrors the federal Fair Housing Act. Austin has a local fair housing ordinance that adds protections for source of income, sexual orientation, gender identity, and other classes.
Texas Screening Criteria
Texas landlords typically evaluate the following criteria when reviewing rental applications. All screening must comply with federal and Texas state fair housing laws.
- Credit Score: Most Texas landlords look for a credit score of 620 or higher, though thresholds vary by property and market
- Income: Gross monthly income of at least 3x monthly rent (typical) is the standard requirement
- Rental History: Positive references from previous landlords, no evictions, and a record of on-time rent payments
- Employment Verification: Stable employment or verifiable income sufficient to cover rent and living expenses
- Background Check: Subject to Texas's restrictions on criminal history screening
How to Fill Out a Texas Rental Application
Follow these steps to properly complete your Texas rental application. Our template includes all sections required for Texas-compliant tenant screening.
Provide Personal Information
Enter your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, phone number, email, and current address. Your SSN is required for the credit check and will be handled securely per Texas data protection requirements.
Detail Your Rental History
List your current and previous addresses for the past 2-3 years, including landlord names and contact information, monthly rent, dates of tenancy, and reason for leaving. Texas landlords will contact your previous landlords to verify this information.
Enter Employment and Income Details
Provide your employer's name, address, your position, length of employment, and gross monthly income. Include all income sources. Most Texas landlords require income of at least 3x monthly rent (typical).
Add References
Include 2-3 personal or professional references with their names, phone numbers, and your relationship. Let them know they may be contacted. Strong references can strengthen your application, especially if you have limited rental history.
Sign Authorization Forms
Review and sign the credit check authorization, background check consent, and FCRA disclosure. These are required by federal law before the landlord can access your consumer reports. The authorization is specific to this application and cannot be used for other purposes.
Submit with Supporting Documents
Attach copies of your photo ID, recent pay stubs, and any other requested documentation. Pay the application fee if required. Texas does not cap application fees.
Texas Rental Application Fees & Costs
Here's a breakdown of typical rental application costs in Texas. Fees vary by landlord and screening service used.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $35-$100 |
| Credit Check | Included in $10 cap |
| Background Check | Included in $10 cap |
| Refundable? | Typically non-refundable |
Sample Texas Rental Application
Below is a preview of our Texas-specific rental application. Your customized document will include all fields and disclosures required under Texas law.
STATE OF TEXAS
RENTAL APPLICATION
Tenant Screening Form
APPLICANT INFORMATION
Name: [Legal Name]
Date of Birth: [DOB] SSN: [XXX-XX-XXXX]
Phone: [Phone] Email: [Email]
RENTAL HISTORY
Current Address: [Texas Address]
Landlord: [Name] Rent: $[Amount]
EMPLOYMENT & INCOME
Employer: [Company]
Monthly Income: $[Amount]
AUTHORIZATION
I authorize the landlord to obtain my credit report, conduct a background check, and verify the information provided in this application in accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act and Texas state law...
Texas Rental Application FAQ
Answers to common questions about rental applications, tenant screening, and landlord requirements in Texas.
Official Texas Resources
Use these official resources to learn more about Texas tenant screening laws, fair housing requirements, and your rights as a landlord or tenant.
Texas Workforce Commission — Civil Rights Division
Fair housing complaints and enforcement
Texas Tenant Advisor
Tenant rights and resources for Texas renters
HUD Fair Housing & Equal Opportunity
Federal fair housing laws, complaints, and guidance
FTC Fair Credit Reporting Act
Federal credit reporting rights for tenants
Other Texas Documents
Need other rental and lease documents for Texas? We offer state-specific templates for every type of landlord-tenant document.
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