Bill > HB1518

This bill, known as the Ready to Rent Texas Act, establishes a new system for residential rental applications in Texas through the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA). The bill creates a statewide online portal where rental applicants can obtain a standardized, verified residential rental application that landlords must accept. Applicants can submit their rental history, income proof, and optional guarantor information, and grant the department permission to obtain their criminal background check and credit report. The verified application will be valid for 90 days and can be shared with potential landlords. Importantly, landlords are prohibited from requiring additional application documents or charging application fees, though they can still reject applicants based on their existing tenant selection criteria such as criminal history, rental history, income, credit history, and guarantor information. The department may charge a reasonable fee for the verified application and can contract with a private vendor to develop the portal. The bill mandates that the TDHCA make the portal publicly available by December 31, 2025, with the act taking full effect on January 1, 2026. The legislation aims to streamline the rental application process, reduce barriers for renters, and provide a consistent, standardized approach to rental applications across Texas.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1518