Texas sets the outer limit: under Property Code §92.352 an applicant “is deemed rejected” if not notified of acceptance within seven days of a completed application, and §92.353 presumes notice given by telephone or by mail postmarked on time. Within that week, four messages keep the process clean — received, incomplete, decided, and (where a report contributed) the adverse action notice required by federal law (FTC). Each is short, dated and kept.
The four messages
| Message | When | Content |
|---|---|---|
| Received | Same day | Property, date and time received, what is missing (if anything), that decisions are made in order of complete applications, and the criteria attached or linked |
| Incomplete | As soon as noticed | The specific items; that the seven-day period runs from completion |
| Decided — approved | Within seven days | Terms, deposit, lease signing date, deadline to accept |
| Decided — declined or conditioned | Within seven days | The decision; the adverse action notice if a consumer report contributed; the refund of any application deposit and, where §92.3515(e) applies, the fee |
Rules for the messages
- Use the channel the applicant used; keep a copy of each message with its timestamp.
- Never explain a denial in terms that touch a protected class; state the criterion not met, or send the adverse action notice, and stop.
- Do not tell one applicant the unit is gone while telling another it is available; if a holding deposit is taken, say so to later applicants.
- Co-applicants are one application: rejection of one is rejection of all (§92.352(b)); send the messages to each.
- Record the decision date — it starts the application-deposit refund.
Waiting lists
If a unit is taken while others are pending, tell the others in writing that they were not selected because an earlier complete application was approved, and whether you will keep their file for another unit — with their consent, because the consumer report was obtained for this application only.
Frequently asked questions
How long can a Texas landlord take to answer an application?
Seven days from a completed application; silence is a rejection, and notice by telephone or postmarked mail is presumed given (Property Code §§92.352, 92.353).
What should a denial message say?
The decision and, where a consumer report contributed, the adverse action notice with the agency’s details and the applicant’s rights; state the criterion not met without reference to any protected class (FTC).
What if one co-applicant is rejected?
The rejection applies to all co-applicants under §92.352(b); notify each (Property Code §92.352).
Sources
Rules change and the right answer can depend on the home, the city, the lease and the timing. These are the official pages this guide relies on; check them before signing, charging a fee, sending a notice or making a legal decision.
- Texas Property Code, Chapter 92 — Residential Tenancies ↗
- FTC — Using consumer reports: what landlords need to know ↗
- Texas State Law Library — Leases ↗
General information for U.S. landlords, with a Texas focus. This guide is not legal, tax or accounting advice. Consult a qualified professional for your situation. Written by the rentalfreelease.com Editorial Team; last reviewed September 19, 2026.