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Rental Knowledge Library

Expert guides on tenant rights, landlord responsibilities, Texas law, and more — free for renters and property owners.

19 articles

platform_updates

What's New on RentTrust: Your Complete Rental Toolkit

RentTrust has grown into a full rental management and trust platform — here's everything you can do right now. Verified Two-Way Rental History Tenants and l

4 min read
platform_updates

RentTrust Feature Announcement — Short Social Post

4 min read
How-To Guides

What Can I Do on RentTrust? — Full Feature Rundown

Q: What can I do on RentTrust? A lot — here's the full rundown. RentTrust lets tenants and landlords each build a verified profile, invite the other party

4 min read
Tenant Rights

Landlord Entry: What You Need to Know About Notice

When renting a home in Texas, it is common for renters to ask about their privacy and the rules regarding landlord entry. Based on questions we frequently recei

4 min read
How-To Guides

How to Invite Your Landlord on RentTrust (and What Happens If They Don't Verify)

Adding a rental on RentTrust sends your landlord a verification invite. Here's how it works and what happens if they never respond.

4 min read#invite #verification
How-To Guides

How Reviews Work on RentTrust — for Tenants and Landlords

Both sides of a rental can leave a verified review once the lease ends. Here's the timeline, what's rated, and when it goes public.

5 min read#reviews #ratings
How-To Guides

What 'Verified' vs 'Unverified' Means on a RentTrust Profile

Not every rental on RentTrust is confirmed. Here's the difference between verified and unverified relationships and why it matters.

4 min read#verification #profile
How-To Guides

How Rent Tracking Works on RentTrust

RentTrust lets landlords log monthly payment status for each active tenant. Here's what gets tracked and what doesn't.

4 min read#rent #payments
How-To Guides

How to Claim an Existing Unclaimed Profile on RentTrust

Someone may have already started a rental relationship that names you. Here's how to find and claim an unclaimed profile tied to your email.

4 min read#claim #profile
Tenant Rights

What is a Security Deposit and How Do I Get It Back?

A complete guide to security deposits in Texas — what they cover, how to protect yours, and the steps to ensure you get every dollar back when you move out.

6 min read#security-deposit #tenant-rights
Glossary

Glossary of Common Rental Terms Every Tenant Should Know

A plain-English glossary of the rental terms you'll encounter in leases, applications, and conversations with landlords — from 'abatement' to 'wear and tear.'

9 min read#glossary #rental-terms
How-To Guides

What Is Considered Normal Wear and Tear vs Property Damage?

The line between normal wear and tear and tenant-caused damage is the #1 source of deposit disputes. This guide clarifies the difference with real examples.

7 min read#wear-and-tear #property-damage
How-To Guides

How to Write a Maintenance Request That Gets Results

A step-by-step guide to writing maintenance requests that landlords take seriously — with templates, timing tips, and how to follow up effectively.

7 min read#maintenance #how-to
Tenant Rights

How to Break a Lease in Texas Without Losing Everything

Texas tenants have legal ways to break a lease early without penalties. Learn the legal exceptions, military protections, and strategies to minimize your financial loss.

8 min read#break-lease #tenant-rights
Tenant Rights

What Happens If My Landlord Doesn't Return My Security Deposit?

Step-by-step actions to take when a Texas landlord fails to return your security deposit — from demand letters to small claims court, with timelines and filing tips.

7 min read#security-deposit #tenant-rights
Landlord Rights

How to Raise Rent Legally in Texas

Texas has no rent control — but that doesn't mean you can raise rent anytime. Learn the legal requirements, notice periods, and best practices for raising rent without losing good tenants.

7 min read#raise-rent #rent-increase
Texas Law

How Much Notice Does a Landlord Need to Enter My Home in Texas?

Texas law on landlord entry: when they can enter, how much notice is required, and what to do if your landlord shows up unannounced.

5 min read#landlord-entry #notice
Landlord Rights

How to Screen a Tenant Legally Without Discriminating

A complete guide to legally screening tenants in Texas — what you can ask, what you can't, and how to avoid fair housing violations that can cost you thousands.

8 min read#tenant-screening #fair-housing
Landlord Rights

What Are a Landlord's Responsibilities for Repairs in Texas?

Texas landlords must maintain habitable conditions. Here's exactly what you're legally required to repair, the timeline for doing so, and how to protect yourself from liability.

6 min read#landlord-responsibilities #repairs