FAQs

We use a consistent screening process that evaluates your credit history, income, rental history, and background. Generally, applicants should have a minimum income of 3x the monthly rent, a solid payment history, and no recent evictions. We also consider employment stability and whether your rental references are positive. We comply fully with Fair Housing laws and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin.

Once your application is fully submitted, we typically process it within 2–3 business days. Delays can happen if we’re waiting on employment verification or landlord references. We’ll keep you updated if anything is missing or taking longer than expected. Our goal is to provide a quick turnaround so you can plan your move with confidence.

No. The application fee is non-refundable, as it covers the cost of processing your application, running background and credit checks, and verifying your information. Even if your application is not approved or you decide not to proceed, the fee cannot be returned. We encourage all applicants to review the rental criteria and confirm availability before applying.

If you fall slightly short in one area—such as credit or income—we may be able to evaluate your full profile, including rental history and references. In some cases, we may allow a co-signer or require an increased security deposit, depending on the owner’s approval. However, applications with recent evictions, serious criminal offenses, or falsified information are typically denied. It’s always best to be upfront and honest in your application.

In certain situations, yes—we may accept a qualified co-signer if your income or credit doesn’t meet our standard criteria. The co-signer must submit a separate application, meet our screening standards, and sign the lease agreement. Keep in mind that not all properties allow co-signers, as this is up to the property owner’s discretion. If you’re unsure, ask before applying.

We require a valid government-issued ID, proof of income (such as pay stubs or bank statements), and contact information for your current and previous landlords. If you’re self-employed, you may submit tax returns or profit-and-loss statements. Providing all requested documentation upfront helps us process your application faster and prevents unnecessary delays.

Once approved, we typically ask that you sign the lease and pay the deposit within 24–48 hours to secure the property. This allows us to remove the listing and stop marketing the unit to others. If we don’t hear back or receive the deposit in that window, we may move on to the next qualified applicant. Timely action helps avoid losing your spot.

If you anticipate being late on rent, it’s important to contact our office immediately. We may be able to offer guidance or temporary solutions, but communication is key. Late fees will apply as outlined in your lease, and failure to pay or communicate may lead to further lease violations or eviction proceedings. We strongly encourage tenants to plan ahead and notify us before the due date if a payment issue arises.

Yes, you may decorate your home, but it must be done in a way that doesn’t cause permanent damage. Using small nails or removable hooks is usually fine, but large holes, wall-mounted TVs, or painting walls without permission is not allowed. Any damage beyond normal wear and tear must be repaired by move-out or may be deducted from your security deposit. If you’re unsure whether something is allowed, feel free to ask before making changes.

If you lose your keys, please contact our office right away. There may be a lockout fee or key replacement charge depending on the circumstances and time of day. For security reasons, we do not recommend tenants attempt to change locks themselves. In some cases, we may need to schedule a vendor to rekey the unit and provide you with new copies.

Pet policies vary by property. Some of our homes allow pets with prior approval, a signed pet agreement, and applicable pet fees or deposits. Unauthorized pets are a lease violation and may result in fines or even lease termination. If you’re interested in getting a pet or aren’t sure about your lease terms, reach out to us first to review your property’s specific policy.

Any exterior or permanent alterations—such as mounting a satellite dish, installing a Ring camera, or making landscaping changes—require written approval from DFW Rent Houses. Unauthorized modifications can be considered a lease violation and may result in removal and restoration costs. We’re happy to review requests that improve safety or enhance your comfort, but they must follow property guidelines and local regulations.

If you need to move early, contact us as soon as possible to discuss your options. Depending on your lease, you may be responsible for an early termination fee or the full rent until the lease ends or a new tenant is found. We’ll provide guidance on how to minimize your financial impact and explain your obligations clearly. Always check your lease and speak with our team before making moving plans.

Yes, lease renewals are typically offered 60–90 days before your current lease expires. We’ll send you a renewal offer outlining the new lease terms, rental rate, and duration. If you plan to stay, it’s important to respond by the deadline to secure your renewal and avoid any interruptions. If you do not wish to renew, you must provide written notice as outlined in your lease.

All non-emergency maintenance requests must be submitted through your tenant portal, where you can describe the issue and upload photos if needed. For emergencies—like major leaks, no heat in freezing weather, or electrical issues—call our emergency maintenance line listed in your lease and on our website. We aim to respond to routine issues within 1–2 business days and address emergencies as quickly as possible. Always provide as much detail as you can to help us resolve the issue efficiently.

Periodic inspections are part of routine maintenance and help ensure the property is being properly cared for. You’ll receive advance notice before any scheduled inspection, and someone from our team or a trusted vendor will visit to check on the condition of the unit. Inspections typically include things like smoke detectors, HVAC filters, cleanliness, and any safety concerns. These visits are not intended to invade your privacy—they’re simply part of maintaining a safe and well-kept home.

Emergency maintenance involves immediate threats like flooding, fire hazards, or loss of essential services. Routine maintenance covers items like leaky faucets, broken blinds, slow drains, or cosmetic repairs. Routine requests can be submitted through the tenant portal and will be addressed during normal business hours. Emergencies will always take priority and are usually resolved much faster.

Routine maintenance should be submitted through your tenant portal, where you can describe the problem and upload photos if needed. If you’re experiencing an emergency after business hours, call our emergency maintenance number listed in your lease and on the website. Please do not email or submit emergency issues through the portal, as those may not be seen in time. Always include as much detail as possible when reporting the issue.

For routine maintenance, we typically respond within 1–2 business days to confirm your request and schedule a repair. Emergency requests are addressed as soon as possible, often within a few hours, depending on the issue. We strive to be timely, but availability of vendors and access to the unit can affect response times. You’ll receive updates through the portal once the request is being handled.

Immediately leave the property and call 911 or your local utility emergency line if you suspect a gas leak or electrical fire. Then, notify us by calling the emergency maintenance number so we can dispatch the appropriate vendor. These are serious safety issues and should never be submitted through the online portal. We prioritize gas, electrical, and fire hazards above all other requests.

Tenants are responsible for basic upkeep, like changing HVAC filters regularly, replacing light bulbs, and keeping the unit clean. You’re also expected to report problems early before they worsen. If damage is caused by tenant negligence—like flushing non-flushable items or failing to report a leak—it may be your responsibility to cover the repair costs. Our maintenance policies are designed to protect both the property and your comfort.

No. All maintenance must be approved and coordinated through DFW Rent Houses. Unauthorized repairs, even for emergencies, may not be reimbursed and could violate your lease agreement. We work only with licensed and insured vendors who understand the property’s systems and requirements. If you’re unsure about the process, reach out to us first before arranging any work on your own.

If the issue is an emergency, call our 24/7 emergency maintenance number. Our team or an on-call vendor will respond as quickly as possible depending on the situation. For non-emergencies that occur after hours, please submit a request through the tenant portal, and we’ll follow up on the next business day. We always prioritize health and safety issues, regardless of the time or day.

We don’t cover cosmetic repairs or issues caused by tenant misuse. Examples include nail holes beyond normal wear and tear, lost keys, clogged drains due to hair buildup, or pest issues caused by poor housekeeping. These may result in a charge depending on the lease terms. Our goal is to maintain a safe and functional home, but we do ask tenants to do their part in keeping the space clean and damage-free.

Yes. You will always receive advance notice before a vendor or maintenance tech enters your home, except in true emergencies where immediate access is necessary. For routine work, we’ll schedule a time with you or give you a notice of entry window. We value your privacy and aim to coordinate maintenance visits with respect and professionalism.