# How Texas Apartment Background Checks Fit Together

> See how criminal history, credit and rental records come into an apartment review. Learn which company ran the report and how it differs from property rules.

URL: https://felonfriendlyapartments.com/guide/how-apartment-background-checks-work-in-texas/

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- How Texas Apartment Background Checks Fit Together

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# How Texas Apartment Background Checks Fit Together

An apartment may check criminal history, rental history, credit and income through several sources. The screening company gives the property information or a recommendation. The property makes the rental decision and is responsible for it.

![Renter reviewing an apartment application](/images/misc/person-reviewing-apartment-application-at-kitchen-.webp)

## Before the report is run

We check each property's selection criteria for you. Ask the property for the name of its screening company and what it costs to apply. Know the difference between an application fee and an application deposit. Don't assume all of that money comes back, or that none of it ever can. Texas Property Code Section 92.3515 says you get a refund if the property turns you down and never made its required selection criteria available.

## Read each part separately

- **Criminal history:** Match your identity, case number, charge and outcome.

- **Rental history:** Check if an eviction entry shows just the filing or the final result too.

- **Credit and balances:** Check the creditor, balance and payment status.

- **Income:** We check which income sources and documents the property accepts.

Fixing one section doesn't fix another. For example, clearing a duplicate criminal entry won't fix an unpaid balance reported somewhere else.

## If the answer is no

If a screening report played a part in a denial or worse terms, ask for the adverse action notice and the report. Separately, ask the property if it will look again at a corrected report. Don't assume a dispute holds the unit for you.

Sources: [FTC: tenant background checks and your rights](https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/tenant-background-checks-and-your-rights); [Texas Property Code Chapter 92](https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/PR/htm/PR.92.htm), Sections 92.351 to 92.355. We don't run your background check, and we have no control over the screening company.

Published by the Felon Friendly Apartment Team. This is general renter information. Each property makes its own decisions, and questions about your own case belong with a lawyer or legal aid.

## Common Questions

### What can an apartment background check include in Texas?

It can cover criminal history, rental history, credit and income. A screening company pulls the records, but the property makes the decision.

### What's the difference between an application fee and an application deposit?

Under Texas Property Code Section 92.351, an application fee is a nonrefundable charge to cover the cost of screening you. An application deposit is money you pay with the application that you get back if you're rejected. Read the property's terms before you pay.

### What should I do if I'm denied over a screening report?

Keep the adverse action notice. You can get a free copy of the report from the screening company if you ask within 60 days. If something's wrong, dispute it with that company.

## Ready to Start Your Apartment Search?

Our help is free to renters. Participating communities may pay our brokerage a referral fee. Tell us what you need, and we'll check each community's criteria against your record.

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