General information, not legal advice. This template is a starting point. Laws differ by state and city, so have a licensed attorney review your final document before you use it.
Last reviewed
The short version
- A free Texas edition of our rental application template, as a PDF to print and a Word file to edit.
- State law does not cap application fees, but the landlord must make its written tenant selection criteria available, or refund the fee to a rejected applicant.
- Landlords who charge an application fee must give applicants the written selection criteria, such as criminal history, credit and rental history rules, before they apply.
- Have a Texas attorney review your final version before you use it.
A rental application for each adult applicant covering identity, rental and job history, income, household, references and a signed consent to screening. This edition fills in the Texas rules we could confirm and marks the rest as blanks to check.
Texas rules for this form
Application fees. State law does not cap application fees, but the landlord must make its written tenant selection criteria available, or refund the fee to a rejected applicant. (Property Code section 92.3515)
Screening rules. Landlords who charge an application fee must give applicants the written selection criteria, such as criminal history, credit and rental history rules, before they apply. (Property Code section 92.3515)
Cities and counties in Texas can add their own rules on top of these. Check local ordinances before you sign.
What is in the template
- Property applied for
- Applicant
- Rental history
- Employment and income
- Household
- References and emergency contact
- Questions
- Screening criteria
- Authorization and consent
- For office use
Before you use it
- Every adult who will live in the home should complete their own application and sign the screening consent.
- Ask only what you need to apply written criteria, and never ask about traits that fair housing law protects.
- Many states and cities cap application fees, limit criminal history questions, or protect income from vouchers.
- If a consumer report affects your decision, federal law requires an adverse action notice.
For the full explanation of this form, read our guide to the rental application.
Get the Texas rental application
Free, no sign up. Fill it in by hand or edit the Word file.
General template, not legal advice. Have a Texas attorney review before use.
Verify current law
We last checked these Texas rules on . Laws change and cities can add their own, so confirm the current text before you rely on it, and talk to a Texas attorney about your situation.
Laws named on this page
- Property Code section 92.3515
Official sources
Goes with this form
Before you send it.
What does Texas law say about application fees?
State law does not cap application fees, but the landlord must make its written tenant selection criteria available, or refund the fee to a rejected applicant. Source: Property Code section 92.3515.
What does Texas law say about screening rules?
Landlords who charge an application fee must give applicants the written selection criteria, such as criminal history, credit and rental history rules, before they apply. Source: Property Code section 92.3515.