Should every adult complete an application?

As a consistent policy, yes for adults who will live in the home or sign the lease — apply the same rule to every household.

What is the difference between an application fee and an application deposit?

In Texas terminology they are not the same thing. A fee is generally a charge for processing; a deposit is money tied to reserving the unit under stated conditions. Label and receipt each correctly, and check Chapter 92 before setting your terms.

Can I run a credit and background check?

Only with the applicant's signed authorization, through a reputable screening provider, and in compliance with federal reporting law. Keep the authorization with the application.

How long should I keep applications?

Keep complete records for approved and denied applicants for a consistent period in secure storage, then destroy sensitive documents securely. Set one policy and follow it.

Texas Rental Application

A rental application is the standard form a prospective tenant completes so a landlord can verify identity, income, rental history and eligibility on consistent criteria — before a lease is offered.

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What it is

When to use it

Every time a new adult applicant wants to rent the property — use the same form for everyone
Re-screening is generally not for a simple renewal; use a renewal agreement instead
When you need a paper trail showing applicants were evaluated on the same stated criteria

What to include — checklist

Print this page to use the checklist on paper.

Applicant full name, contact details, date of birth and government ID information (handle securely)
Current and prior addresses, landlord names and contact details, and reason for leaving
Employment and income information, plus other income the applicant wants considered
Every other adult occupant and any pets that will live in the home
Vehicle information if parking is assigned or limited
Authorization, signed and dated, for credit, background and rental-history checks where you will run them
Your selection criteria summary and any application fee / deposit terms, disclosed up front
Emergency contact (optional, clearly marked as optional)

Texas-specific requirements

Texas Property Code provisions on application deposits and fees (Chapter 92, Subchapter I, including §§92.351–92.352 in the verified deposit research) treat an application deposit differently from a security deposit — label money correctly and keep receipts.
State your selection criteria in writing and apply them consistently. Federal and Texas fair-housing law applies to screening — do not ask about or decide based on protected characteristics. When in doubt, check current law and local rules.
This pilot did not verify a single statewide Texas cap or form for application fees, so do not state a fee rule as Texas law unless you confirm it for your situation. Disclose whatever fee you charge, in writing, before collecting it.

Statute references are included only where verified for this pilot. Where a rule depends on your lease or local court, the page says so instead of guessing.

Common mistakes

Using different questions or criteria for different applicants
Collecting money without saying, in writing, whether it is a fee, an application deposit, or a security deposit — and what is refundable
Storing SSNs, ID copies and bank details in email or an unlocked folder
Denying an applicant with no record of which stated criterion was not met

Where landlords get this form

These providers publish Texas-specific landlord forms and document tools. We describe them here for comparison — we do not link out from this pilot site yet.

Provider	Best described as	What to check before you buy
LawDepot	DIY legal-document builder covering leases, applications and notices, form by form or by subscription.	Whether the Texas version is included in a free trial, subscription, or single-document price.
ezLandlordForms	Landlord-focused forms library built specifically around rentals, screening and state lease packages.	Whether you need a single form or its Texas state package, and what updates are included.
Rocket Lawyer	Document builder bundled with membership options that can include attorney Q&A services.	What the membership includes after any trial, and how cancellation works.
LegalZoom	Well-known legal-services platform, strongest on business formation and broader legal products, with some landlord documents.	Whether the exact landlord form you need is offered for Texas, versus a business product.

Partner links activate after approval. When partnerships are approved, links on this page may become affiliate links and we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. That will be disclosed here before any link goes live.

Texas Landlord Paperwork Pack — $19

A printable bundle of the Texas checklists and letter templates from this site, organized in the order a small landlord actually uses them: application, lease signing, move-in, late rent, renewal, move-out and deposit return.

Get the Texas Landlord Pack — $19

Sold and delivered by Gumroad (Open Line Press). Instant download: print-ready pack + editable source.

Frequently asked questions

Should every adult complete an application?: As a consistent policy, yes for adults who will live in the home or sign the lease — apply the same rule to every household.
What is the difference between an application fee and an application deposit?: In Texas terminology they are not the same thing. A fee is generally a charge for processing; a deposit is money tied to reserving the unit under stated conditions. Label and receipt each correctly, and check Chapter 92 before setting your terms.
Can I run a credit and background check?: Only with the applicant's signed authorization, through a reputable screening provider, and in compliance with federal reporting law. Keep the authorization with the application.
How long should I keep applications?: Keep complete records for approved and denied applicants for a consistent period in secure storage, then destroy sensitive documents securely. Set one policy and follow it.