When moving to a larger home in Arlington, it's common to rent out your original residence. At this point, you may encounter unfamiliar terms. In order, there are five main areas to consider: setting the rent, advertising the property, screening tenants, the lease agreement, and legal regulations. Let's break these down into simpler terms.

First, determining the rent amount is the first hurdle. As of July 11, 2026, the average rent in Arlington is $1,525 per month (Zumper). For a one-bedroom, it's around $1,100 per month, and for a two-bedroom, it's about $1,500. In simpler terms, this means similar-sized properties are listed at these prices. If you set the rent too high compared to the market, inquiries may decrease, and conversely, if you set it too low, you may not have the opportunity to screen tenants thoroughly.

Next is finding tenants. It's common to list your property on Zillow Rental Manager or local rental sites. If the terminology seems unfamiliar, think of it as an online service for advertising rental properties. Take photos in bright daylight, and be specific about the number of rooms, parking availability, and pet policies to reduce unnecessary inquiries. When multiple inquiries come in, it's helpful to establish a method for reviewing applications in the order they are received to avoid future disputes.

When inquiries come in, screening, or tenant verification, takes place. This generally involves three main steps: checking credit scores, verifying income, and reviewing previous rental history. Income is often required to be at least three times the rent. In simpler terms, if the rent is $1,500, you'll want to confirm that the pre-tax income exceeds $4,500. If there are multiple applicants, apply the same criteria to everyone and keep a record of your evaluation process for future reference.

The lease agreement should clearly state the rent amount, payment due date, security deposit, pet policies, and repair responsibilities. It's also good to specify who pays utilities, how many days' notice the landlord must give before entering the property, and the renewal process after the lease ends. Omitting these details can lead to disputes later on.

Regarding the security deposit, Texas law does not set a maximum amount. However, landlords must return it within 30 days after the tenant moves out or provide a written statement of deductions (Texas Property Code Section 92.103). If a landlord is found to be withholding the deposit in bad faith, they may be liable for $100 plus three times the amount withheld, along with attorney fees (Section 92.109). Therefore, it's crucial to adhere to this timeline. Remember that allowable deductions are limited to unpaid rent and repair costs for damages beyond normal wear and tear.

If rent is overdue, a typical notice to vacate is sent, which is a three-day notice (Texas Property Code Section 24.005). However, starting January 2026, a new regulation requires landlords to send a notice to pay or vacate to tenants with no prior late payment history. If the lease specifies a different notice period, that period takes precedence. If the notice period expires without the tenant vacating, legal proceedings must be initiated.

Don't forget to take photos of the property's condition on the day the tenant moves in. In simpler terms, this serves as evidence to distinguish between pre-existing damages and new damages when it comes time to return the security deposit. It's also wise to look into rental insurance separate from standard homeowners insurance.

These regulations can vary by county. This article is not investment or legal advice, and it's advisable to consult a real estate professional or attorney before finalizing any agreements.