Applying for an Apartment in Texas
Most Dallas apartment applications ask for the same things: ID, proof of income, rental history and a credit and background check. Here is what to have ready and the Texas rules that apply.
What to have ready
- A photo ID for every adult on the lease.
- Proof of income: recent pay stubs, an offer letter for a new job, or bank statements if you are self employed.
- Your current and past addresses, with landlord contact details.
- Pet records if you have a pet, often including a photo and vaccine records.
Income and credit
Many buildings look for gross monthly income of about three times the monthly rent, though each building sets its own rule. If your income or credit falls short, some buildings accept a guarantor, a larger deposit, or a third party guarantor service. Ask before you apply, so you do not pay a fee for an application that does not fit the building's rules.
Fees and deposits
Expect an application fee for each adult and often an administration fee. Many buildings also ask for a deposit to hold the unit while the application is reviewed. Texas Property Code sections 92.351 to 92.355 cover application deposits and fees, including when a rejected applicant gets money back. A Texas landlord must also make its tenant selection criteria available to you before you apply.
After you move out, Texas law gives the landlord 30 days to refund your security deposit or send a written list of deductions, once you have given a forwarding address (Texas Property Code 92.103 and 92.107).
The lease
Many Texas apartment communities use the Texas Apartment Association lease. Read the sections on early termination, renewal notice and fees before you sign. They are the parts people most often ask about later.
Not sure you will qualify?
Text us your situation. We tell you which buildings are a fit before you pay any application fee.
General information, not legal advice. Each building sets its own screening rules.
Questions people ask
How much income do I need to rent an apartment in Dallas?
Many buildings look for gross monthly income of about three times the rent, but each building sets its own rule, and some accept a guarantor or a larger deposit.
How long does a Texas landlord have to return a security deposit?
Thirty days after you move out and give a forwarding address, under Texas Property Code 92.103.
Can I see the screening rules before I apply?
Yes. Texas law requires landlords to make their tenant selection criteria available to applicants before they apply.
General information. Each building sets its own rules and prices, and we confirm them with the leasing office.