Tenant Questions Answered
Find solutions to common rental concerns.
Q: Where Can I Get Information About Your Available Properties?
A: You can find information about our available properties on the "Properties" page of our website. You can also call us at (512) 335-8686.
Q: How Do I View Your Available Properties?
A: To schedule a tour, call us at (512) 335-8686 or use the chat feature on our website.
Q: Who Must Complete an Application?
A: Each occupant over the age of 18 must fill out an application, including spouses and adult children or dependents.
Q: What Is Your Application Fee?
A: Our application fee is $75.
Q: Can You Hold a Place Before I Apply?
A: No, we do not hold properties.
Q: Do I Pay First Month’s Rent and Last Month’s Rent with My Security Deposit?
A: You will pay all security deposits, including pet deposits if applicable, and the first month’s rent upfront.
Q: How Old Do You Have to Be to Apply?
A: All applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
Q: Is the Deposit Refundable?
A: Yes, your deposit is refundable. When you move out, we will inspect the property. Any damages outside “normal wear and tear” will be charged to you and deducted from your security deposit. Remaining funds will be refunded to you.
Q: When Do I Need a Guarantor?
A: If you are a full-time student and do no financially qualify for the property, you will need a Guarantor.
Q: Do You Accept Guarantors?
A: We will accept guarantors for full-time students only. Applicants will have to submit proof of full-time enrollment. Guarantors will have to complete an application.
Q: You Have a Property I Want to Rent. how Do I Apply?
A: You can apply by clicking on the “Properties” tab on our website. From there, click the“Apply Online” button to create an application. You will need to complete the application and submit the following additional information:
- Copy of a valid government issued identification.
- Proof of Income. Please see our "Application Process" page to view acceptable forms of income verification.
- Proof of proper immigration status, if not a US citizen.
- Appropriate non-refundable application fee paid online.
- Photos of all pets.
Incomplete applications will not be considered for approval. Applications are not complete without all required documentation and fees. If you are applying with others, every applicant 18 years of age and older must complete an application to be considered for approval.
Q: What if There Is Already an Application for The Property I Want?
A: NRPM approves applications on a best qualified basis. Even if there is an application, there is still a chance that your application could get approved. Your best option is to call our office and see where we are in the review process of the other application.
Q: What if My Application Is Denied?
A: In the event your application is denied, we make every effort to contact you promptly regarding the denial and we will email you a letter regarding the denial. If denied, we will provide you contact information to request a copy of your credit report directly from the credit bureau.
Q: How Long Are Your Leases?
A: Most of our leases are for a minimum of 12 months; however, we will consider other terms, to be approved by our owners.
Q: Do I Need to Have Renter’s Insurance?
A: Yes, per our lease, residents are required to obtain and keep current Liability Insurance equal to or in excess of $100,000. You must provide proof of your insurance policy when you sign your lease or you will be auto-enrolled in our Legal Liability Insurance Program for an additional monthly charge. If you have any questions about our Legal Liability Insurance Program, please feel free to reach out to our office at 512.335.8686.
Q: How Do I Turn on Utilities?
A: For assistance setting up utilities free of charge, please visit this website: https://myfreeconnection.com/neighborhoodrealty
Q: How Do I Pay Rent?
A: The fastest and simplest way to pay rent is through your tenant portal. And it’s completely free. You can also submit cashier’s check, money orders or personalized checks directly to our office. There is a $5 processing fee for personalized checks.
Q: Do You Accept Pets?
A: Most of our properties allow pets, but there are some restrictions that apply. Please visit our “Application Guidelines” and review our pet policy for more details.
Q: I Want to Get a Pet. What Do I Do?
A: Before you get a pet, please review our pet policy. Our pet policy can be found in our “Application Guidelines” under “Tenant Resources”. There are breed restrictions and other requirements you will want to be aware of before you bring home your furry friend. You will need to submit vet records and photos. You will also be subject to an additional pet deposit and pet rent.
Q: How Do I Qualify to Lease One of Your Properties?
A: You will need to earn at least three times the monthly rent to financially qualify. We also consider rental/ownership history, credit scores, and criminal history. NRPM does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, familial status, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, or student status.
Q: How Long Does It Take to Process an Application?
A: Typically, we can process your application within 2 business days once we have all documents required to complete an application. However, it is not uncommon to experience difficulty verifying your rental and/or employment information. Should we experience difficulty doing so, we will contact you to verify the information you provided is correct. Sometimes it is beneficial for you to contact the person we are having difficulty getting in touch with and request that the information needed be released.
Q: After My Application Is Approved, What Do I Do?
A: You will be notified of approval or denial by our office. Upon approval, your deposit is due within 24 hours. You will have 72 hours to sign your lease. You will also need to get utilities set up as soon as the lease is signed. To view a list of utility providers in your area, please see “Austin Area Utilities” under the “Tenant Resources” page under the “Tenant” tab of our website. If you need assistance, you can use our utility concierge service by following the link below. https://myfreeconnection.com/neighborhoodrealty
For a convenient checklist, please see “Move in Checklist” under our “Tenant Resources” as well.
Q: I Want to Move Out, but My Roommate Wants to Stay. What Do I Do?
A: To have yourself removed from the lease, you will need to request a tenant change from our office. Please contact our office to see if you qualify.
Q: My Lease Expiration Is Coming and I Want to Move Out. What Do I Do?
A: You must submit a move out request in writing no less than 30 days before the expiration of your lease.
Q: Who Is Responsible for Paying for Repairs & Maintenance Requests?
A: Repairs caused by the resident and any special requests for added amenities or features will be charged to the resident. The owner will be responsible for maintaining the health and safety of the home.
Q: What Am I Responsible For?
A:
- Securing all utilities for the home, unless otherwise provided.
- Lawn care and watering, unless otherwise provided.
- Maintaining a clean and sanitary property.
- Promptly disposing of all garbage in appropriate receptacles.
- Supplying and changing heating and air conditioning filters at least once a month.
- Minor repairs to your home, including, but not limited to, to replacing light bulbs and clogged drains.
- Changing the smoke detector batteries during tenancy. (These are new when you move-in)
- Taking all necessary precautions to prevent broken pipes due to freezing or other causes.
- Replace any lost or misplaced keys.
- Paying any periodic, preventative, or additional extermination costs desired by Tenant.
- Removing any standing water.
- Knowing the location and operation of the main water cut-off valve and all electrical breakers.
- Promptly notifying Landlord, IN WRITING, of all needed repairs.
- Complying with all Homeowner Association Rules.
- Following the terms of your lease.
- Preventing pets from causing damage to the property.