Tenant FAQs.
Straight answers to the questions renters ask us most, from applications and deposits to repairs, pets and breaking a lease. No jargon, no pressure. And if your question isn’t here, just ask.
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Renting or buying?
Our free rent vs. buy calculator shows your real monthly cost to own, including taxes, insurance, HOA and PMI, next to your rent, and how the two compare over the years you plan to stay.
Finding the right place.
Should I rent a home or buy a home?
It depends on how long you plan to stay, what you have saved, and the true monthly cost of owning compared to your rent. Try our rent vs. buy calculator to compare your own numbers side by side, or read our article on the factors to consider.
Can a Realtor help me find a rental?
Yes. We can search leases on the MLS, set up showings, help with your application and review the lease with you before you sign. Before we start, we’ll explain in writing how our compensation works for your search, so there are no surprises.
Do you help with furnished or short-term rentals?
Yes. If you’re between homes, on a work assignment or waiting on a new build, we can look for furnished and flexible-term leases when they’re available.
Can I rent now and buy a home later?
Absolutely, and that’s what our Credit to Keys path is for. We’ll help you find a lease that fits today and build a realistic plan toward owning. Our rent vs. buy calculator shows what owning would really cost each month.
Apply with confidence.
We’ll help you get your paperwork together and get the landlord’s requirements and costs in writing before you apply.
Getting approved.
What do landlords usually check on a rental application?
Most landlords look at income, credit, rental history and background, and they’ll ask about pets and who will live in the home. Each landlord sets their own criteria, so ask for them before you apply.
Is the application fee refundable?
Usually not. In Texas, landlords have to give you their tenant selection criteria in writing when they give you the application. If a landlord rejects you without having given you that notice first, they have to return your application fee and any application deposit.
What should I have ready before I apply?
A photo ID for each adult, recent pay stubs or an offer letter, bank statements if you’re self-employed, your current landlord’s contact information, and vaccination records for any pets. Having these ready can help you get approved faster.
Know your rights.
Texas law covers repairs, late fees, rekeying and more. Your lease matters too, so read it closely and ask us if anything’s unclear.
Once you’re moved in.
What if something needs to be repaired?
Tell your landlord or property manager right away, and put it in writing if your lease requires written notice. It’s a good idea to do that anyway. Texas law requires landlords to make a diligent effort to repair conditions that materially affect the health or safety of an ordinary tenant, as long as you’re current on rent when you give notice.
Can my landlord charge a late fee?
Yes, if the lease includes it, but Texas law limits it. A late fee can’t be charged until rent has stayed unpaid for two full days after the due date, and the fee has to be reasonable. For example, 12% of the monthly rent or less is presumed reasonable for a building with four or fewer units.
Will the locks be changed before I move in?
They should be. Texas law requires landlords to rekey the locks at their own expense within seven days after each tenant moves out, so a new tenant isn’t using the last tenant’s keys.
Can I have pets?
That’s up to each landlord. Many allow pets with a pet deposit, a pet fee or monthly pet rent, and some limit breeds or size. Assistance animals for people with disabilities aren’t pets under fair housing law. If you need one, you can request a reasonable accommodation.
Do I need renter’s insurance?
Many leases require it, and it’s a good idea even when they don’t. The landlord’s insurance covers the building, not your belongings or your liability. Ask what coverage your lease requires before you move in.
Planning your move?
Whether you’re moving in or moving on, we’ll help you plan the money and the timing.
Deposits and moving on.
How much money do I need to move in?
Plan for the first month’s rent and a security deposit, plus any application fees, pet deposit or pet fees, and utility deposits. The exact amounts vary by landlord, so we’ll get the numbers in writing before you apply.
When will I get my security deposit back?
In Texas, the landlord has to refund your deposit, minus any lawful deductions, within 30 days after you move out. Give the landlord your forwarding address in writing, because the 30-day clock depends on it. If money is kept for damages, you’re entitled to an itemized list of the deductions.
Can I break my lease early?
Check your lease first. Most spell out an early-termination option or what you’ll owe if you leave early. Texas law also gives tenants the right to end a lease early in certain situations, such as some military orders or family violence. If you’re thinking about moving early, talk to your landlord as soon as possible.
This is general information about Texas rentals, not legal advice. Your lease and your situation matter. For more on Texas renters’ rights, see the Texas Tenant Advisor.
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