Application Fees
Fees
APPLICATION FEES:
Some landlords charge a nonrefundable application fee to pay for the costs or screening of your rental application, and /or they may ask for an application deposit which is refundable if you are rejected as a tenant.
The landlord must make available to you written notice of the selection criteria that will be used to determine if your application will be accepted or denied and will state that if you don't meet the selection criteria or provide incomplete information, your application may be rejected and your application fee won't be refunded.
- These selections criteria may include criminal history
- previous rental history, current income
- credit history, or
- failure to complete the information on the application.
If the landlord rejects your application, but didn't provide you notice of the selection criteria, she/he must return your application fee and any application deposit. Also, if you request a refund of your application deposit, the landlord must mail you a refund check at the address you provide. If the landlord acts in a bad faith by failing to refund your application fee or deposit, she/he may be liable for $100.00, three times the amount wrongfully retained, plus your reasonable attorney's fees.
Additional Info
Related Links : www.texasbar.com
Source : Tenant's Rights Handbook