| Proper knowledge and sufficient information on | | | | fee. Application fee is the amount you give to the |
| rental laws in Texas will guide you to get your | | | | landlord to carry out the background work. So it |
| desired rental property in Texas. Texas housing | | | | is typically not refundable. |
| laws are very clear in most points of tenancy | | | | The landlord has to provide a positive response |
| rights and obligation. | | | | within seven days, or else the application is |
| Before you sign on any agreement with the | | | | 'deemed rejected'. Although the law do not |
| landlord, and give him some money you cannot | | | | specify the number of days within which the 'hold |
| claim it back. The amount is quite small and legal | | | | deposit' or 'application deposit' has to be returned, |
| hassles are many. So before you sign on the | | | | but most agreements has a thirty days time limit |
| dotted line check the property and the landlord. | | | | for the landlord. (Tex. Prop. Code 92.352). |
| Ask the landlord to give a written list of criterion | | | | However, the land law in Texas is not clear what |
| before you sign any agreement. You will loose | | | | happens if you change your mind. Generally, you |
| your application money even if the landlord | | | | are expected to sign the rent agreement within |
| rejects your application. Texas housing laws | | | | three days of the landlord's approval. If you |
| clearly mentions an exception in this front - If the | | | | change your mind then the landlord can forfeit |
| landlord do not post any criterion before hand | | | | any application deposit. So, enter this clause in |
| then he has to return the entire amount the has | | | | your agreement before hand. |
| received from you. (Section 92.3515, Property | | | | If you think, that the landlord has kept your |
| Code) | | | | application deposit in an unfair manner, then tell |
| Without your application deposit or hold deposit | | | | him in writing why you consider it to be in 'bad |
| the landlord is under no obligation to keep on hold | | | | faith'. Under, land laws in Texas you are entitled to |
| any property for you. By giving a hold deposit | | | | $ 100 or three times application deposit, court |
| you express an intention to hire the property. | | | | fees and attorney fees. (Section 92. |
| Remember application deposit is not application | | | | |