Quote from @Duska Stanic: Hello,This is my first time renting a property and I'm struggling to find a reputable company for background/credit check.

Here's what I found re Texas disclosure laws:Consequences of Failing to DiscloseLegal Liability:Sellers can face lawsuits for fraudulent concealment, negligent misrepresentation, or violations of the Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA) if they knowingly withhold information about unpermitted work or defects.Buyers may seek damages (e.g., repair costs, diminished property value) or rescission of the sale.Under the DTPA, plaintiffs can recover treble damages (3x actual damages) plus attorney fees.Financial Penalties:Sellers may be required to cover the cost of bringing unpermitted work up to code or addressing undisclosed defects.Example: If unpermitted electrical work causes a fire, the seller could be liable for all resulting damages.Impact on Sale:Undisclosed issues can lead to buyer termination during the option period or post-closing litigation.Properties with unpermitted work often sell for lower prices due to buyer skepticism5.Timeframe for Legal ResponsibilityStatute of Limitations:Sellers can be sued for nondisclosure for up to four years after the sale under Texas’ statute of limitations for breach of contract or DTPA claims.Example: If a buyer discovers an unpermitted addition in 2025 from a 2023 sale, they can sue until 2027.Ongoing Disclosure Duty:Sellers must update their disclosure if they learn of new defects before closing, even after submitting the initial Seller’s Disclosure Notice.Failure to update disclosures can still result in liability.Key Considerations for FlippersMaterial Defects: Texas law requires disclosure of any issue that could affect the property’s value or safety, including unpermitted work, structural defects, or code violations.

You must ensure that your lease clearly states that all damages caused by the tenant will be charged to them.

To me, these third-party damage protection options shift the power over the money away from the owner.

We have a deposit disposition sheet we go through when a tenant moves out in order to assess damages.

The numbers could work, especially if you can reposition to MTR and increase cash flow, but the success of this deal hinges on having a reliable, local contractor who can handle a fire-damaged property.

Hi BP Community,I’m looking to connect with experienced and reputable residential appraisers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

I’ve never used them but you can certainly try “the guarantors” who promise to pay unpaid rent and any damage in excess of damage deposit.

They just moved out, and the carpet in their unit has significant damage — cat stains, paint spills, random stains, and a ripped-up spot from an office chair.

Quote from @Jemini Leckie: You can take it out as wear and tear for the property since it was still on the property and the tenants caused the damage.