GENERAL INFORMATION: Don't Be Foolish - Rent Right

1. Don’t rent without driving by the complex on a Friday or Saturday night to check on the nighttime environment (including parking).
2. Use an apartment locator when you have Rental History, Credit problems, Criminal Convictions, or New employment – the service is FREE and a good locator can save you from losing deposits and application fees.
3. Don’t sign a long term lease when they believe they will need to change locations soon.
4. Don’t agree to take an apartment on the 2nd or 3rd floor when you need a ground floor unit. Your will regret it everyday.
5. Don’t try to “hide” an animal without paying the pet deposit or pet rent.
6. Don’t try to hide someone on the lease who is over 18 – TX law requires everyone to be on the lease who is 18 or over even “grown children”.
7. Don’t rent under someone else’s name to bypass the Rental criteria – this can not only get you “kicked out of the unit” but you may cause the person who rented the apartment FOR YOU to be hit with a Broken Lease or Eviction AND THEREBY OWE THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO THE COMPLEX.
8. Don’t break a lease – better to give Notification that you are leaving and make payment arrangements to pay off your debt (and usually cheaper in the long run).
9. Know how to complain about an apartment – the right way will protect your rights and protect your “pocketbook”. Seek out the local apartment association or Attorney General of Texas’ website – see Tenant Rights.
10. Don’t file a fraudulent application for an apartment. The apartment can and will keep your deposit, application fees, administrative fees, and may evict you or charge you with a Broken Lease.

*Bonus Tip: Don't rent without checking with the local police department on the crime rate in the area the apartment is in. It takes a little work but this can save you BIG TIME.