Have questions about Home leasing?
Below is a helpful guide explaining the entire process.
Some detailed information you should expect during the application process:
- Income: The gross monthly income for all tenants should be at least 3-4 times the monthly rent amount.
- Employment: Most landlords will require verifiable employment history for at least the past three years. If you are self-employed, retired, or not employed, they may accept such documents as signed tax returns (2 years minimum), W-2's, bank statements, paycheck stubs, etc that provide proof of applicant's ability to pay the rent. If military, you will need a current copy of your LES.
- Residency: Verifiable residence history for a least three years whether you currently own or rent.
- Credit History/Tenant Screening Process: Will most likely be completed through an online process.
- Criminal, Sex Offense, & Terrorist Database History: They will check for inclusion in state and national databases.
- Occupancy: The total number of tenants and occupants will be determined by the landlords criteria.
- Pets: Pet policies and deposits vary from home to home. Most homes are limited to the number and size of pets. Most homes do not permit dog types that may have violent tendencies, including but not limited to: Pit Bulls, Staffordshire Terriers, Dobermans, Rottweilers, Chows or any similar breed or mixed breed.
- Applicants may be denied or required to pay additional deposit or rent for low credit scores, bankruptcy's, or lack of work history or verification.
Applying for a rental property is a lot like a job interview. You need to demonstrate to a landlord that you’re financially and socially responsible and can pay your rent reliably while living quietly and respectfully among others. Landlords use the rental application process to get a complete picture of how responsible you are and, equally importantly, what sort of character you’ve demonstrated thus far in your adult life.
Most rental applications ask for information that a landlord will use to run a credit check, criminal background check, verification of your prior addresses and rental history (and whether you’ve ever been evicted), your work history, your income and financial position, and a personal reference check. Under the Fair Housing Act and other laws, landlords cannot legally reject your application due to race, religion, ethnic background or nationality, gender, age, family status, or disabilities. However, landlords can use business or financial criteria such as credit scores, income minimums, or references indicating irresponsibility as a reason to reject an application.
A security deposit is money given to a landlord to provide some protection to a landlord in case of damage to the rented premises or for some other failure of a tenant.
A security deposit should not be confused with a Application fee or some other fee.
A Pet deposit is an additional security deposit usually required if you want to keep a pet on the premises. A portion or all of the pet deposit may be refundable.
Deposit payments are usually paid in the form of cashiers checks or money orders – no cash or personal checks are accepted. Some management companies may have online payment processes.
- Read your lease carefully before signing.
- Ask questions about anything that is unclear.
- Pay attention to time sensitive deadlines.
We’re looking forward to hearing from you on how we can meet your real estate needs. You can also call our office at any time for faster service: 832-764-0156
Application Fee
Any deposit of money, however denominated, including all money intended to be used as a security deposit under a rental agreement, or property, which is paid by a tenant to a landlord, lessor, or agent of a landlord for the purpose of being considered as a tenant for a dwelling unit.
Amenities
Facilities provided. These can include swimming pool, landscaped gardens, club house, children play area or park, etc. These constitute the “extras” and are intended to improve the quality of life of the residents in the development.
Breach of Contract
To be in violation of the terms of the rental agreement.
Credit History
A record of an individual’s repayment of debt. Credit histories are reviewed by mortgage lenders as one of the underwriting criteria in determining credit risk.
Dwelling
One or more rooms rented for use as a permanent residence under a single lease to one or more tenants.
Landlord/Owner
Any person who has a valid and legal right, title and interest in the property.
Lease
Any written or oral agreement between a landlord and tenant that establishes or modifies the terms, conditions, rules, or other provisions regarding the use and occupancy of a dwelling.
Lease Term
The length of time that a lease shall be in effect; duration of obligation.
Normal wear and tear
Deterioration that results from the intended use of a dwelling, including breakage or malfunction due to age or deteriorated condition. (the term does not include deterioration that results from negligence, carelessness, accident, or abuse of the premises, equipment, or chattels by the tenant, by a member of the tenant's household, or by a guest or invitee of the tenant.)
Premises
A tenant's rental unit, any area or facility the lease authorizes the tenant to use, and the appurtenances, grounds, and facilities held out for the use of tenants generally.
Rental Agreement
An agreement, written or oral, which establishes or modifies the terms, conditions, rules, regulations, or any other provisions concerning the use and occupancy of a dwelling unit and premises; a lease on residential property.
Rental History
Rental background (similar to a credit check).
Security Deposit
A rental tenant will put down a security deposit so that the owner of the has security against any potential damages in the apartment during the term of tenancy. A deposit, usually one month’s rent, which a rental tenant will give to the landlord at lease signing as security against damage to the property during the course of their tenancy. At the end of the lease term, the landlord will take the cost of any damages caused by the tenant out of the security deposit before returning it.
Tenant
A person who is authorized by a lease to occupy a dwelling to the exclusion of others and who is obligated under the lease to pay rent.
General Tenant Responsibilities
Your realtor is a great resource of information to help you understand your lease agreement terms. Managing your tenant responsibilities will help grow your awareness of home ownership. Below you will find information regarding your responsibilities as a tenant. Contact Us any time for more help with your leasing process.
Tenant Responsibilities Include:
- Pay rent on time
- Keep the Property clean and sanitary
- Promptly dispose of all garbage in appropriate receptacles
- Supply and change heating and air conditioning filters at least once a month
- Supply and replace all light bulbs, fluorescent tubes, and batteries for smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, garage door openers, ceiling fans remotes, and other devices (of the same type and quality that are in the Property on the Commencement Date)
- Take action to promptly eliminate any dangerous condition on the Property
- Take all necessary precautions to prevent broken water pipes due to freezing or other causes
- Replace any lost or misplaced keys
- Pay any periodic, preventive, or additional extermination costs desired by Tenant, including treatment for bed bugs, unless otherwise required by law
- Remove any standing water
- Know the location and operation of the main water cut-off valve and all electric breakers and how to switch the valve or breakers off at appropriate times to mitigate any potential damage
- Maintain the lawn if required by your agreement
- Water the foundation of the property at reasonable and appropriate times; and
- Promptly notify Landlord, in writing of all needed repairs
- Keep all utilities on for the duration of the lease.
- Do not bring in pets or additional tenants without prior approval from the landlord. This could be a breach of the agreement and cost serious money.
- Follow the Landlord’s rules and regulations for move out procedures.
- Copy of Government Issued Identification (i.e.- Driver’s License, I.D. Card)
- Paystubs or Income Verification
- Animal Picture (if applicable)
Yes. The screening company contacts employers to verify employment and salary. They also
contact current and previous landlords.
Information usually requested when completing the application:
- Last two addresses and Landlord Information
- Employer and Previous Employer: Name, Contact, Start Date, Salary
- Pay rent on time.
- Keep the Property clean and sanitary.
- Promptly dispose of all garbage in appropriate receptacles.
- Supply and change heating and air conditioning filters regularly.
- Supply and replace all light bulbs, fluorescent tubes, and batteries for smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, garage door openers, ceiling fans remotes, and other devices (of the same type and quality that are in the Property on the Commencement Date).
- Take action to promptly eliminate any dangerous condition on the Property.
- Take all necessary precautions to prevent broken water pipes due to freezing or other causes.
- Replace any lost or misplaced keys.
- Pay any periodic, preventive, or additional extermination costs desired by Tenant, including treatment for bed bugs, unless otherwise required by law.
- Remove any standing water.
- Know the location and operation of the main water cut-off valve and all electric breakers and how to switch the valve or breakers off at appropriate times to mitigate any potential damage.
- Maintain the lawn if required by your lease agreement.
- Water the foundation of the property at reasonable and appropriate times.
- Promptly notify Landlord, in writing, of all needed repairs.
- Keep all utilities on for the duration of the lease.
- Be a responsible animal owner by properly restraining the animal, keep current on all animal wellness care, pick up and dispose of any animal waste and protect the property from any animal damage.
- Do not bring in animals or additional occupants without prior approval from the landlord. This is a breach of a lease and the lease can be terminated and/or other remedies may apply per Texas Property Code.
- Follow the Landlord’s rules and regulations for move out procedures.
The lease agreement itself will note all these things and possible other landlord rules and regulations.
Why Tenants Need A REALTOR®
We take your real estate needs seriously and want to reach your leasing goals!
Not all real estate practitioners are REALTORS®. The term REALTOR® is a registered trademark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. Here are five reasons why it pays to work with a REALTOR®.
You’ll have an expert to guide you through the process. Leasing a home is a process that takes knowledge, patience and understanding. Having an advocate help you navigate is vital to you find a great place to call home and help you avoid delays or costly mistakes.
Get objective information and opinions. REALTORS® can provide local community information on utilities, zoning, schools, and more. They’ll also be able to provide objective information about each property. A professional will be able to help you answer these two important questions: Will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? What are my responsibilities in leasing? What is the landlord responsible for?
Find the best property out there. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market, and it will take some investigation by your REALTOR® to find all available properties.
Benefit from your Realtor’s experience. Contracts, landlord rules, different types of properties, to Texas Property code requirements. Let your KSP smooth out the process.
Real estate has its own language. If you don’t know a CMA from a PUD, you can understand why it’s important to work with a professional who is immersed in the industry and knows the real estate language.
REALTORS® haven’t just done it before they do it every day. Most people lease only a few homes in a lifetime, usually with quite a few years in between. And even if you’ve done it before, laws and regulations change. REALTORS®, on the other hand, handle hundreds of real estate transactions over the course of their career. Having an expert on your side is critical.
Moving is emotional and can be stressful. A home often symbolizes family, rest, and security — it’s not just four walls and a roof. And for most people, leasing is the biggest decision one can make until it’s time to purchase a home. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you stay focused on both the emotional and financial issues most important to you.
Ethical treatment. Every member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® makes a commitment to adhere to a strict Code of Ethics, which is based on professionalism and protection of the public. As a customer of a REALTOR®, you can expect honest and ethical treatment in all transaction-related matters. It is mandatory for REALTORS® to take the Code of Ethics orientation and they are also required to complete a refresher course every four years.
Home Renting in the Houston Area
Searching for just the right place to call home? KSP is a great place for information and resources. Whether its a single family residence, townhome or condominium in the Houston Market, you can find just the right fit. We have an agent available to help you through the entire process.