TX HB1518

Creates the "Ready to Rent Texas Act" requiring the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs to develop an online portal for issuing verified residential rental applications

Verified applications are valid for 90 days and must be accepted by all landlords as completely satisfying their application requirements

Prohibits landlords from requiring applicants with a verified application to submit any other rental application, pay application fees, or pay application deposits

Verified applications include the applicant's criminal history background check, credit report, previous rental history, current income verification, and guarantor information if applicable

Landlords retain the right to reject applicants who do not meet their tenant selection criteria despite having a verified application; the portal must be publicly available by December 31, 2025, with the Act taking effect January 1, 2026